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HISTORY OF THE 

THIRD REGIMENT 

EXCELSIOR BRIGADE 

7 2d New York Volunteer 
Infantry 

1861-1865 




COMPILED BT 

HENRI LE FEVRE BROWN 

SERGEANT COMPANY B. 
19 02 






JOURNAL PRINTING CO. 

JAMESTOWN, N. Y. 

1902. 



INTRODUCTION. 

In preparing this hiHtory the official war records have 
been carefully searched for all material that could in any 
way contribute to a full understanding of the events nar- 
rated. Wherever possible battles and movements have 
been described in the language of official reports. In some 
cases, as in that of Williamsburg, the same engagement is 
described in several such papers, written by the command- 
ers of the regiment, the brigade and the division, with often 
a brief recognition of the service of the regiment from still 
higher sources. Orders, reports and extracts bearing on this 
history are given word for word as written, and in many 
cases, without other explanations of the events referred 
to. Promotions and changes of command are announced 
in general orders. In this way the experience of the regi- 
ment will be more readily followed than if the narrative 
were cumbered with unimportant details. 

There can be no question that many officers and men 
not mentioned in this history by name, were equally 
worthy, and perha])s more worthy of notice than those 
whose names and deeds are here given. In view of the 
impossibility of doing exact justice to all, the rule has been 
followed to make honoraV)le mention only of those already 
named in official records. 

All regimental papers have been examined in detail. 
The personal diary of the comy)iler has l)een compared with 
that of the chaplain for all movements since January 1, 
I860, and differences have been reconciled to the satisfaction 
of both. One record has frequently supplied what the other 



4 INTRODUCTION. * 

lacked. In cases of doubt on any point, other members of 
the regiment and of other regiments, and any persons likely 
to throw light on the subject have been freely consulted in 
an honest endeavor to learn and to tell the exact facts. 

It is to be regretted that no official reports vi^ere made 
of the services of the regiment during the Wilderness cam- 
paign, or the many engagements in v^^hich the regiment 
afterv^ards participated. These reports were not called for 
until the Army of the Potomac had settled down in front 
of Petersburg, in August, 1864. In the meantime the term 
of service of the early three year regiments having expired, 
these regiments, except a very few that re-enlisted, were 
mustered out and no official reports were made of the ser- 
vice of these regiments during that campaign. 

In some minor matters this history may differ from 
statements previously printed in other books. In every 
known case of this kind the account given has been the re- 
sult of careful investigation. 

The compiler would particularly ask his comrades when 
they discover errors or omissions to report the facts to him 
without delay. All such communications will be faithfully 
noted and used, if there should be an opportunity in the fu- 
ture ; and at last there may be obtained in this way a true 
record of the Third Excelsior. 

Jamestown, New York, October 1st, 1902. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 
Organization, May, June, 1861. 

CHAPTER II. 
Washington, D. C. July-October, 1861. 

CHAPTER III. 
Lower Maryland. October, 1861-ApriI, 1862. 

CHAPTER IV. 
Yorktown and Williamsburg. April, May, 1862. 

CHAPTER V. 
Fair Oaks or Seven Pines. June, 1862. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Oak Grove, Peach Orchard, Glendale, White Oak Swamp, First and Second Mal- 
vern Hill. June, July, August, 1862. 

CHAPTER VII. 
Bristoe Station, Groveton, Second Bull Run. August, 1862. 

CHAPTER Vlll. 
Alexandria, March to Fredericksburg. September, October, November, 1862. 

CHAPTER IX. 
Fredericksburg, Winter Quarters. December, 1862-April, 1863. 

CHAPTER X. 
Chancellorsville. May, 1863. 



O CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XI. 
Colonel William O. Stevens. 

CHAPTER XII. 
Gettysburg, Wapping Heights. June, July, 1863. 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Culpepper, Union Mills, Mine Run, Brandy Station. September, 1863-April, 1864. 

CHAPTER XIV. 
The Wilderness Campaign, May, i864. 

CHAPTER XV. 
Petersburg, Muster Out. June, l864. 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Medal of Honor. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

List of battles and skirmishes in which the regiment participated during its term 

of service. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
Roster of commissioned officers, with date of muster, etc. 



CHAPTER I. 
Organization— May, 1861. 

On May 8rd, 1861, President Lincoln issued his first 
proclamation calling for volunteers to serve three years. 

The Excelsior Brigade was organized under this call as 
United States Volunteers, at Canijj Scott, Staten Island, 
by Daniel E. Sickles under special authority of the President, 
dated May 18th, 1861. 

The brigade was composed of companies raised in five 
states, as follows: Massachusetts, 2; Michigan, 1; New 
Jersey, 6; New York, 36; Pennsylvania, 5. 

In the fall of 1861 when the Government began calling 
on the loyal states for their quota of troops New York 
State claimed the Excelsior Brigade, it having been organ- 
ized within the state. 

On December 5th, 18()1, the Secretary of War issued 
orders which took effect December 11th, 1861, designat- 
ing the different regiments of the brigade as the 70th, 71st, 
72nd, 73rd and 74th Regiments New York Volunteer In- 
fantry. The Brigade reached Washington in July, 1861, 
and served as the Second Brigade, Second Division, Third 
Army Corps, Army of the Potomac till March 23rd, 1864, 
when by order of the War Dei)artment the Third Army 
Corps was disbanded. The First and Second divisions were 
consolidated with the Second Army Corps under Major Gen- 
eral W. S. Hancock, and became the Third and Fourth divi- 
sions respectively. 

The Seventy-Second Regiment New York Infantry was 
organized by Colonel Nelson Taylor, a vet^eran of the Mexi- 



ORGANIZATION. 



can War, a thorough soldier and disciplinarian, who, while 
he had a personal interest in the welfare of every member of 
the regiment, insisted on thorough drill, organization and 
discipline. 

The companies of the Regiment began to assemble at 
Camp Scott the latter part of May, and most of the men 
took their first lessons in camp life, at the same time growl- 
ing about army rations. They soon settled down to busi- 
ness, however, and then began the never ending drill, fatigue 
and guard duty. Although the complaints were deep and 
lasting regarding drill, no attention was paid to them by 
those in authority ; the drill was kept up, and as the men be- 
came hardened the hours were lengthened until it seemed 
as though it was company drill, battalion drill, dress pa- 
rade, or inspection all the time. It was hard work for all, 
but it was this same hard work that made the regiment 
a unit, and enabled it to perform the various movements 
and changes with the clock-like precision and steadiness 
for which it became celebrated. 



General Order,\ Headquarters Third Regiment, 

No. 1. / Excelsior Brigade. 

Camp Scott, June 3rd, 1861. 

The following orders are issued for the regulation of the 
regiment. 

There being eight companies now attached to this regi- 
ment, they will be designated by the following letters : 

A, Capt. Grecheneck, E, Capt. Barrett, 

B, Capt. Brown. F, Capt. Leonard, 

C, Capt. Creamer, G, Capt. Barrow, 

D, Capt. Stevens, H, Capt. Willis. 



ORGANIZATION. 9 

The following are the various duties of the day: 
5:00 a. m., Reveille Roll Call. 
5:30 a. m., Morning drill for one hour. 
7:00 a. m., Breakfast. 
8:00 a. m., Surgeons' Call. 
8:30 a. m., Guard Mounting. 
8:30 a. m., Drill till 10. 
10:00 a. m., Officers drill for one hour. 
1:00 p. m., Dinner. 

2:30 p. m., Non.-Cora. Officers drill for one hour. 
4:00 p. ra., Afternoon drill for one hour and a half. 
6:00 p. m., Evening Parade. 
6:30 p. m., Supper. 

Sunset Retreat. 
9:00 p. m., Tattoo. 

By order, 

Nelson Taylor, Col., 
S. M. Doyle, ^ Com'dg Third Regt. 

Adjutant. 
Companies C, G and H, mentioned in the foregoing order, 
did not retain their organization, at least not with the 
Third Regiment. 

The following was the permanent company organiza- 
tion of the regiment : 

COMPANY A. 

(A German Company.) 

Organized in New York City. 

May, 1861. 

Mustered into the United States service June 21, 1861 . 

Captain George Grecheneck. 

First Lieutenant, Charles Grossinger. 

Second Lieutenant, Edward B. Harnett. 



10 ORGANIZATION. 

COMPANY B. 

Organized in Jamestown, N. Y. 

May, 1861. 

Mustered into the United States service June 21, 1861. 

Captain James M. Brown, 

First Lieutenant, Darwin Willard. 

Second Lieutenant, Alfred S. Mason. 



COMPANY C. 

Organized in New York City. 

July. 1861. 

Mustered into the United States service July 21, 1861. 

Captain Isaac L. Chad wick. 

First Lieutenant, Horatio B. Pennock. 

Second Lieutenant, Wakeman Holberton. 



COMPANY D. 

Organized in Dunkirk, N. Y. 

May, 1861. 

Mustered into the United States service June 20, 1861. 

Captain William 0. Stevens. 

First Lieutenant, Caspar K. Abell. 

Second Lieutenant, Hugh C. Hinman. 



COMPANY E 

Organized in Dunkirk, N. Y. 

May, 1861. 

Mustered into the United States service June 20, 1861. 

Captain Patrick Barrett. 

First Lieutenant, William J. O'Neal. 

Second Lieutenant, William Toomey. 



ORGANIZATION. 11 

COMPANY F. 

Organized in Newark, New Jersey. 

May, 1861. 

Mustered into the Unit^'d States service June 21, 1861. 

Captain John Leonard. 

First Lieutenant, Henry J. jSTcConnell. 

Second Lieutenant, John W. Holmes. 



COMPANY G. 

Organized in Westfield, N. Y. 

July, 1861. 

Mustered into the United States service July 24th, 1861. 

Captain Harmon J. Bliss. 

First Lieutenant, Collins W. Bliss. 

Second Lieutenant, James A. Smith. 

COMPANY H. 

Organized in Dunkirk, N. Y. 

October, 1861. 

Mustered into the United States service November 1, 1861. 

Captain Stephen M. Doyle. 

First Lieutenant, I^eopold Marcus. 

Second Lieutenant, Daniel Loeb. 

COMPANY I. 

Organized in Delhi, N. Y. 

May, 1861. 

Mustered into the United States service June 21, 1861. 

Captain Robert T. Johnson. 

First Lieutenant, John P. Sandford. 

Second Lieutenant, Hugh J. Winters. 



12 ORGANIZATION. 

COMPANY K. 

Organized in New York City. 

June, 1 861. 

Mustered into the United States service June 21, 1861. 

Captain John S. Austin. 

First Lieutenant, William P. Hall, Jr. 

Second Lieutenant, Michael McDonald. 



General Order,\ Headquaeters Third Regiment, 

No. 5. / Excelsior Brigade. 

Camp Scott, S. I., June 25th, 1861. 

Capt. Wm. O. Stevens Co, D, is hereby appointed acting 
Major of Third Regiment, First Lieut. C. K. Abell is promot- 
ed to be Captain, 2nd Lieut. H. C. Hinman to be First Lieut., 
1st Sergeant John Howard to be Second Lieut., subject to 
the approval of the Governor of the State of New York. 
By order of 

CoL. Nelson Taylor, 
S. M. Doyle, Commd'g Regt. 

Adjutant. 

Fourth of July was duly observed. The brigade was 
formed and listened to the reading of the Declaration of In- 
dependence, then passed in review before General Sickles, 
who later made a patriotic address which created much en- 
thusiasm. The brigade remained on Staten Island nearly 
two months, drilling and preparing for the sterner duties of 
war, when the first battle of Bull Run was fought and lost. 
It was then that the Excelsior Brigade, which was fully or- 
ganized and equipped, and comparatively well drilled, was 
called to Washington. 



ORGANIZATION. 13 

THE BAND. 

Early in July, 1861, Colonel Taylor was authorized to 
organize a regimental band for the Third Regiment, and 
issued the following order : 

General Order, \ Headquarters Third Regiment, 

No. 75. j Excelsior Brigade. 

Camp Scott, Staten Island, July 9tb, 1861. 

Lieut. A. S. Mason of Co. B., Third Regiment, is detailed 
on regimental recruiting service, and will proceed to James- 
town, Dunkirk, Fredonia and Westfield, in Chautauqua 
county and is authorized to recruit one or more complete 
companies, or recruits to fill up companies already mustered 
in, to the maximum. 

He is further directed to make arrangements for the en- 
listment of a band of musicians, to the number of twenty- 
four, and a chief musician, to be attached to this regiment. 
Transportation will be paid by the government. 
By order of 

Nelson Taylor, 
S. M. Doyle, Col. Commd'g Regt. 

Adjutant. 
July 17th eight members of the Jamestown Cornet Band 
started for Camp Scott and a few days later a number of 
musicians from Dunkirk and Fredonia joined them on Staten 
Island. 

A complete organization of the band was formed in Aug- 
ust, 1861, as follows: 

A. G. Peters, Leader, 1st B Flat Soprano 

W. B. Norris, Director, 1st E '* 
F. P. Boynton, 2nd " " 

A. H. Tew, 3rd " " 

J. S. Lathrop, 4th " " 



14 



ORGANIZATION. 



H. K. Willard, 
D. C. Smith, 
C. H. Warren, 
James W. Wheeler, 
A. N. Ayres, 
R. H. Dickenson, 
J. H. Blackney, 
M. F. Curtis, 
T. H. B. Chase, 
Ed. M. Barclay, 

C. Curtis, 

H. G. Bailey, 
L. L. Akin, 
A. M. Comstock, 
William Sandford, 
W. H. Gibson, 

D. C. Dinnin, 
M. F. Tower, 

A. G. Peters, President. 



2nd B Flat Soprano 

3rd " " 

1st E " Tenor 

2nd " " 
3rd '' " 
4th " " 
1st B " 
2nd " " 
Baritone 
1st B Flat Bass 
2nd •' " 
1st E Flat Tuba 
2nd " " " 

Side Drum 
Side Drum 
Bass Drum 
Cymbals 
Asst. Bass Drum 
J. S. Lathrop, Secretary. 



The band performed service with the regiment till Aug- 
ust, 1862, when, in accordance with an Act of Congress, ap- 
proved July 17th, 1862, an order was issued by the War 
Department to muster out all regimental bands. In com- 
pliance with this order, the band of the Third Regiment was 
discharged at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, and returned 
home. 



CHAPTER II. 

Washington, D. C, July— October, 1861. 

General OrderA Headquarters Third Reg't. 

No. 8. ) Excelsior Brigade. 

Camp Scott, Staten Island, July 2Srd, 1861. 

The Reji-iment being under marching orders for the seat 
of war will make the necessary preliminary arrangements 
for the march. The personal baggage of officers and men 
will be reduced to the minimum. Every article will be 
marked with the name, company and number of the owner. 
Tents, poles, axes, hatchets, cooking utensils, &c., &c., &c., 
will be distinctly marked with letter of the com})anyan(l No. 
of the Regt., and the tents folded with the mark on the out- 
side. The commandants of companies will make requisition 
for hams and hard bread for two days. 

If rations are supplied on the transports then rations 
will be reserved until the arrival of the Regiment at the 
point of destination to avoid the suffering and delay which 
would otherwise in all probability occur. The baggage and 
tents will be prepared for transjjortation immediately after 
Reveille. 

Commandants of companies will see that their men are 
furnished with overcoats or woolen blankets, rubber blank- 
ets, tin cups, plate, knife, fork and spoon. The Regiment 
will hold itself in readiness to march at 2 p. m. {irecisely. 

By order, 

Nelson Taylor, 
S. M. Doyle, Coimn'dg. 

Adjutant. 



16 WASHINGTON. 

MUSTER ROLL OF FIELD AND STAFF 

of the Third Regiment (Excelsior Brigade), New York State 
Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Nelson Taylor, called 
into the service of the United States by General Order No. 
15, dated Washington, May 4th, 1861, from the 23d day of 
July, 1861, (date of muster) for the term of three years, or 
during the war unless sooner discharged. 

Colonel, Nelson Taylor 

Lieutenant Colonel, Israel Moses 
Major, William 0. Stevens 

Surgeon, Charles K. Irwin 

Chaplain, Levi W. Norton 

Adjutant, Stephen M. Doyle 

Quarter Master, Thomas W. G. Fry 

Ass't Surgeon, Nathaniel W. Leighton 

Q. M. Sergeant, John McN. Grant 

Com. Sergeant, Isaac A. Brooks 

Sergeant Major, Samuel Bailey 

Hospital Steward, Frederick M. Fincke 

New York, July 23d, 1861. 
General S. Cameron, 

Secretary of War. 
The First Regiment of the Excelsior Brigade, 1000 
strong is now in motion to Washington by the New Jersey 
Central Route. The Second and Third Regiments will cer- 
tainly leave tomorrow by the Camden and Amboy Railroad, 
transportation by that route being, I am advised, provided 

for them. 

Dan'l E. Sickles. 

(0. W. R. Vol. 122 p. 344.) 

The regiment left Camp Scott on the evening of July 
24th, proceeding by transport to South Amboy, New Jersey, 
where it took the cars for Washington. Camden, New 



WASHINGTON. 17 

Jersey, was reached early on the morning of July 25th, the 
regiment crossed the Delaware River to Philadelphia, 
Penn'a., and marched to the "Cooper Shop," where a hne 
breakfast was provided by the citizens, which was greatly 
enjoyed and appreciated by the soldiers. After a good rest 
the regiment again boarded a train of cars and much en- 
joyed the pleasant ride to Baltimore, Maryland, marching 
through that city in the evening, and reached Washington 
early on the morning of July 26th, being one of the hrst 
three years regiments to reach that city after the first battle 
of Bull Run. The baggage was soon unloaded, and break- 
fast served, after which the regiment was formed and 
marched out about two miles northeast of the Capitol, where 
on a hill overlooking Washington and the surrounding coun- 
try. Camp Marsh was established. 

Headquarters Third Regiment, 
Excelsior Brigade. 

Breutwood, Cmnp MursJi, July 28th, 1861. 
Major : 

In accordance with Par. 1, Genl. Orders W. D., i have 
the honor to report that my regiment is principally from the 
State of New York, about one-half from the Western part, 
and the other from the city. 

They were trans})oi-ted from the place of muster, Staten 
Island, New York, by the Perth Andjoy route through Phil- 
adelphia and Baltimore, and arrived on Friday at 5 a. m., 
July 26th, and are now encamped about one mile north of 
the City oi Washington, the encani[)ment having been (tailed 
Camp Marsh. 

Seven companies are armed with the smooth bore per- 
cussion musket, 1842. (Altered.) 

Seven companies have a fair knowledge of company and 
battalion drill, but are deficient in the manual of arms. 



18 WASHINGTON. 

Three companies having joined within a week are almost 
raw recruits. 

The drill has been "Hardee" with such modifications as 
required by the musket. 

No skirmish drill has yet been practiced. 

No target practice has yet been commenced. 

No bayonet exercise has been practiced. 

The regiment is nearly complete on what is absolutely 
necessary for the field. The Commissary, Quartermaster 
and Medical Departments will be sufficiently complete in 
three days for campaigning, except in wagons and ambu- 
lances, of which there are none. 

By order, 

CoL. Nelson Taylor, 
Major Theo. Talbot, Commd'g. 

Asst. Adj. Genl. U. S. A. 

Special Orders, \ Hd. Qrs. Army of the Potomac, 

No. 11. ] 

Washington, August otli, 1861. 

First. The First, Second and Third Regiments, Excel- 
sior Brigade, and the Seventy-ninth Regiment New York 
State Militia will constitute a provisional brigade to be 
commanded until further orders by the senior colonel on 
duty with it. The brigade will occupy a position to be des- 
ignated by First Lieut. 0. M. Poe, Corps of Topographical 
Engineers, and will move to the same with as little delay as 
practicable. 

By command of 
S. Willl4:ms, Major General McClellan 

Assistant Adjutant General. 
O. W. R. Vol. 107, p. 438. 



WASHINGTON. 19 

Headquarters Excelsior Brigade, 
Washington, D. C. 

August 6th, 1861. 
Colonel: 

Announce to the rank and file of the Third Regiment un- 
der your command : 

1st, That Congress yesterday directed the payment of 
all volunteers from the time of their acceptance by the Presi- 
dent, which guarantees to the officers and men of this com- 
mand their full i)ay from the loth of May last. The Pay- 
master General will pay off our men immediately upon re- 
ceiving from the Captains of Companies through the Adju- 
tant properly made out Muster Rolls for payment. 

2nd, Congress also yesterday passed an Act increasing 
the pa^' (from this date) of all non-commissioned officers, 
musicians and privates four dollars a month. 

Congratulating the troops under my command upon 
this merited though tardy tribute of justice, 

I am, Yours Faithfully, 

D. E. Sickles, 
Col. First Regiment & Act. Brig. Genl. 
Commanding Excelsior Brigade. 
To Colonel Nelson Taylor, 

Commdg. Third Regiment, 

Excelsior Brigade, U. S. Vols. 

Headquarters Excelsior Brigade, 

August 8th, 1861. 
Colonel : 

The President having expressed a desire to see the sev- 
eral regiments of this Brigade now in Washington, you will 
dispense with the Evening Parade, and rejxjrt with the 



20 WASHINGTON. 

Third Regiment at the Executive Mansion at seven o'clock 
p. ni. this day. 

D. E. Sickles, 

Col. First Regt. & Act. Brig. Genl. 
Col. N. Taylor, 

Third Regiment. 

It was continuous drill, target practice and dress parade 
until August 9th, when orders were received to break camp. 
The regiment crossed the eastern branch of the Potomac, 
Avhere on Good Hope Heights, Maryland, about four miles 
southeast of the Capitol, Camp Caldwell was established. 
Here, in addition to drill and the regular routine of camp 
life, picket and fatigue duty were added. Companies were 
sent out, one at a time, for a five days' tour of picket duty, 
and were stationed opposite Alexandria, Virginia, guarding 
roads leading to Washington. 

Details from the different regiments of the brigade were 
put at work under the charge of ]\Iajor William 0. Stevens, 
of the Third Regiment, building two forts on the heights op- 
posite the Navy Yard, and commanding the approaches to 
Washington on the east side of the Potomac. 

September 8th Company D, in command of Captain C. K. 
Abell, with companies from other regiments of the brigade, 
the detachment being under the command of Lieutenant 
Colonel H. L. Potter, of the Second Regiment, started on a 
scouting expedition through some of the lower counties of 
Maryland. Battalion drill, w^ith knapsacks, was practiced 
often, while at Camp Caldwell, the regiment marching about 
two miles to the hills across the valley where there was a 
large, open field with plenty of room for the various neces- 
sary movements. 



Daniel Edgak Sickles, Major General U. S. A., born 
New York, October 20, 1825. Educated at Univei'sity of 
New York. Learned printer's trade. Studied law; admit- 
ted to the Bar 1846t Practiced in New York. Member Leg- 
islature 1847. Corporation attorney New York, 1853. 
Resigned to become Secretary of Legation at London until 
1855. State Senator 185G-1857. Member Congress 1857- 
1861. Served, Colonel to Major General through Civil War. 
Sent on confidential mission to South America, 1805. Com- 
manded military department of the South 18(55. Of Caro- 
linas and of the 2nd Military District, 1866-1867. Colonel 
42nd U. S. Infantry, 1866. Saw much severe service. Lost 
a leg at Gettysburg. Continued in active service until 1869. 
Placed on retii-ed list with full rank of Major General April 
14, 1869. Awarded tlie ''Congressional Medal of Honor" 
for most conspicuous gallantry at Gettysburg July 2nd. 

1868. President of the New York State Gettysburg and 
Chattanooga Monuments Commission. Appointed Minister 
to Holland, 1866. Declined. Appointed Minister to jNIexico 

1869. Declined. U. S. Minister to Spain, 1869-1874. Mem- 
ber of Congress, 1892-1894. President New York State 
Board Civil Service Commissioners for several years. Slieriff 
of New York. Address, No. 28 Fifth Avenue. 



CHAPTER III. 
LoAVER Maryland— October, 1861-April, 1862. 

October IStb, the sick being left in camp, the regiment 
marclied as an escort, and to assist some engineer officers 
under Captain R. S. Williamson, to make measurements of 
the width of the Potomac and locate some batteries erected 
by the rebels on the Virginia side of the river near Budds 
Ferrv, Maryland, about forty miles below Washington. 

October 21st the rebels were firing at a passing vessel, 
when a large shell landed on Maryland soil without explod- 
ing, "^rhe shell was picked up and taken to camp, the cap 
extracted, and it v»'as supposed all the powder as well, the 
shell then being used as a plaything. The next da}' John W. 
Rouse, of Company E, put a live coal in the opening and 
pushed it in with his foot, when the shell exploded, injuring 
ten men, of whom Michael Daly and John W. Rouse, both of 
Company E, died of their injuries. 

Headquarters Third Regiment, 

Budds Ferry, October 22, 1861. 
General : 

I arrived here at 12 M. and encamped about one mile 
south of Mr. Posey's house. This morning before leaving 
camp a man came to me representing himself as Charles Ben- 
trick, ranking as master in the Navy, and commanding one 
of the small steamers in the Government service called E. H. 
Herbert. He stated that having an intimation of my 



LOWER MARYLAND. 23 

detachment being in that vicinity, Commodore Craven liad 
sent him on shore to inquire Ihe strength of the force. He 
also stated that the commodore desired me to arrest Messrs. 
Posev, ^lason and Rnnyea, but for no other reason that I 
could nnderstand, than that they were snspected of enter- 
taining- secession sentiments. This, of course, I disregarded. 
I should very much like to have the inquiry made at the 
Navy Department to know if Charles Bentrick has the i)osi- 
tion he represents himself to hold. Captain Williamson com- 
menced work on the shore this afternoon immediately in 
front of the battery at Shipping Point. During the after- 
noon five or six shots were fired at passing atsscIs, but with- 
out effect. The batteries appeared to be confined to a space 
of about one mile on the river, fronting Budds Ferry, and 
ranging up and down the river. The batteries are situated 
between Chopawamsic and Quantico Creeks. The battery at 
Freestone Point has been discontinued since the opening of 
the lower ones. I cannot learn that there has ever been a 
battery at Cockpit Point. A ball was thrown to the rear of 
Mr. Posey's house, which was supposed to have been thrown 
from a battery of a single gun planted at an elevation of 150 
feet. The place where the gun is supposed to be is (piite vis- 
ible with a glass, but not the gun or at least not plainly. 
With a good glass six guns in the upper and five in the lower 
battery can be counted. It is (piite certain that there are 
more guns in ])()sition, as one of those fired yesterday was 
out of vsight. Its location was made known by the smoke. 
Heavy firing was heard from below lastevening, which from 
the direction, was supposed to have taken places at Mathias 
Point. Field batteries have been seen on the opposite shore, 
but are out of sight now. The supports of the batteries ap- 
peared to be at least a mile in the rear. Judging from the 
great quantity of snK)ke constantly rising above the timber, 



24 LOWER MARYLAND. 

which it is supposed comes from camp fires, their force must 
be very considerable. 

Very Eespectfully, 

Nelson Taylor, 
Colonel Commanding Detatchment. 
Brig. Gen. Sickles, Commanding. 
0. W. R. Vol. V, P. 372. 

October 23rd Captain Williamson and a detail of men 
were at work at Bndds Ferry, the rebels shelling them sev- 
eral times. About 4 p. m. a body of rebels embarked on a 
steamer and started for the Maryland shore, running into a 
bayou above Budds Ferry, evidently with the intention of 
capturing the working party. The regiment was drawn up 
in line of battle on a bluff on the Posey Farm with Company 
E deployed as skirmishers toward the river. The skirmish- 
ers exchanged quite a number of shots with the rebels on the 
steamer when they returned to Virguda without landing. 
The other regiments of the brigade joined the Third Regi- 
ment at once. There being a strong force of rebels with sev- 
eral well protected batteries opposite Budds Ferry, the other 
brigades of the division joined the Excelsior Brigade and 
went into winter quarters near Budds Ferry and Liverpool 
Point, Maryland. 

The camp of the Third Regiment was known as "Camp 
Wool." Log houses containing good fireplaces, and cover- 
ed with tents, were erected and everything made as comfort- 
able as possible for the winter which was spent in drill, 
picket, and the usual routine of camp life. 

Captain R. T. Johnson, with 50 men of Company I, 
crossed the rivei* to Virginia during the night of March 
19th, and returned without mishap. 

Captain Darwin Willard, with 100 men of companies 



LOWER MARYLAND. 25 

A, and B, embarked on the gunboat Satellite on the night 
of March 20th, landed and drove in the rebel pickets at 
Boyd's Hole, Virginia, returning without loss. 

About April 1st orders were received to prepare for a 
march. The sick were sent to Washington and prepara- 
tions made to break camp. 

During the night of April 2n(l Lieutenant Colonel Moses 
with a detachment of 250 men of the Third Kegiment, with 
similar detachments from the other regiments of the bri- 
gade, the whole being under command of Lieutenant Colonel 
C. H. Burtis, of the Fifth Regiment, crossed the Potonmc 
and advanced to Stafford Court House, Virginia, returning 
to camp after a hard march on April 5th, on which date 
orders were received to leave Camp Wool. 



CHAPTER IV. 

YORKTOWN AND WiLLIAMSBURG — ApRIL--MaY, 1862. 

The regiment reached Liverpool Point about 5 P. M., 
April 5th, and embarked on the steamer Elm City for the 
peninsula. The fleet of transports on which the division 
had embarked remained near Liverpool Point till 4 P. M., 
April 9th, when it started down the Potomac, and after 
proceeding about twenty miles, came to anchor near Port 
Tobacco, Maryland, in a severe snow-storm; ran down to 
Point Lookout, Maryland, on the morning of April 10th, 
and that night to Fort Monroe, Virginia, arriving there 
about 7 A. M., April 11th. The Elm City came to anchor 
alongside the celebrated little Monitor that did such won- 
derful service during her engagement with the rebel gunboat 
Merrimac a month earlier. While lying there waiting for 
orders, the Merrimac came out from Norfolk the second time, 
and after considerable manoeuvei'ing evidently with the ob- 
ject of drawing the Monitor from her position, but without 
success, returned to Norfolk. Those on board the Elm City 
had the pleasure of seeing how rapidly a man of war can 
prepare for action. In the afterooon the Elm City ran up to 
Ship Point, Virginia, where the regiment disembarked about 
9 a. m. April 12th, after remaining onboard the steamer one 
week. 

April 13th the division marched up near Yorktown, re- 
maining there doing picket duty and working on the fortifi- 
cations till Sunday, May 4th, when the rebels evacuated that 



WILMAMSBURG. 27 

place, retiring toward liichinond, with the Army of the Po- 
tomac in pursuit. 

The Third Corps left Yorktown about 1 ]). ni., advancing 
slowly until 11 p. m., when it stopped in the woods by the 
side of the road, a very heavy rain falling at the time, till 
about 5 a. m., Monday, May 5th, when an advance was or- 
dered. The Third Regiment became engaged with the rebels 
in front of P'ort Magruder near Williamsburg about 11a. m., 
and fought nearly continuously till dark. 

Headqtauters Seventy-Second Regi.ment, 
N. Y. Volunteers. 
Camp before Williamsburg, F/?., May 11th, 1S()2. 
Colonel : 

On the morning of the r)th instant I was ordered to re- 
lieve the First and Eleventh Massachusetts and Twenty- 
sixth Pennsylvania Regiments, avIio occupied the felled 
woods on the left hand side of the road, just in front of the 
(3pen fields in front of the enem^^'s w(u-ks near Williamsburg. 
The regiment was deployed in line, the first platoons being- 
thrown out as pickets and skirmishers along the margin, 
with instructions (received from General Grover) to repress 
any advance, to destroy the horses and gunners of a section 
of a rebel battery on the left, and to j)rotect a section of our 
own on the right, and in case of an opportunity presenting 
to take the section referred to; smart firing was kept up by 
artillery and small arms for about an houT* and a half, when 
heavy volleys of musketry were heard at the ])oint held by 
the left of the regiment. 

General Gi-over soon after coming \\\), informed me that 
it was the New Jersey Brigade advancing on the enemy at 
that point. Very soon this firing became more constant 
and incessant, and was evidently from large bodies of troo])S 



28 WILLIAMSBURG. 

advancing toward my position, and at the same time my 
pickets began to retire a little, and reported that the enemy 
were advancing in strength. 1 had sent Lieutenant Fry 
back to report to you and request that a regiment might be 
sent to my support, and at this time the Seventieth Regi- 
ment, Colonel Dwight, arrived. Four companies with my 
own reserve, were immediately sent forward to the threat- 
ened point, the other six companies remaining as a reserve 
in the center. The enemy continued to advance and drove 
in my pickets, who retired fighting without confusion, the 
enemy following and pouring in deadly volleys. I sought 
still further re-enforcements, which you brought up in per- 
son. My regiment at this time having entirely exhausted 
their ammunition, after four hours fighting, withdrew into 
the road, after having lost severely in killed and wounded. 

Herewith accompanying is a list of the names of killed, 
wounded and missing up to 12 o'clock this date. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

I. MosES, 

Lieutenant Colonel Commanding. 
Nelson Taylor : 

Colonel Commanding, Second Brigade, Hooker's 
Division. 
0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part 1, P. 484. 

LOSS IN THIRD REGIMENT. 

Killed 61 

Mortally Wounded 23 

Wounded 67 

Missing 44 

Total 195 



WILLIAMSBURC. 29 

LOSS IN hooker's DIVISION. 

Ist Brigade 293 

2nd Brii2:ade, "Excelsior" (4 regiments) 772 

3rd Brigade 539 

Artillery 28 

1G32 
Loss in Kearny's Division 414 

Total Loss, Third Army Cor])s, "Heintzelman's" 2046 
The foregoing statement of losses which is official, shows 
that the Excelsior Brigade, of which the 72nd New York 
Volunteers w^as a part, bore the brunt of the fighting, and 
suffered much the heaviest k^ss of any brigade in the Third 
Army Corps. 

Headquarters Second Brigade, 
Hooker's Division, 
Camp before Willhiwsburg, Va., May 8th, 1862. 
Captain: 

I have the honor to make the following report of the 
part taken by this brigade in the action of the 5th instant. 
The brigade arrived on the ground about 9 A. M., having 
been much hindered in its march from its last camp about 
three miles back, by a drenching rain, muddy road, and the 
frequent passing of cavalry and artillery. 

Receiving an order from the Brigadier General command- 
ing the division, I sent the Seventy-Second Regiment com- 
manded by Lieutemint Colonel Moses, to relieve the First 
Massachusetts. In about two hours the Seventieth Regi- 
ment, commanded by Colonel Dwight, was ordered to sup- 
port the Seventy-second. About 1 P. M,, under the orders 
of the General commanding the division, I took the Seventy- 
third and Seventy-fourth, respectively commanded by (Jol- 



30 WILLIAMSBURG. 

onel Brewster and Acting Colonel Burtis, to re-enforce our 
left, which was being hard pressed. Having conducted the 
regiments on the ground indicated, an order came to march 
the regiments back on the road and take a position parallel 
to it and on the right side of the Seventieth and Seventy-sec- 
ond, which was immediately executed, and the regiments 
formed in line and advanced across the road, when they im- 
mediately engaged the enemy, who were now exposed to a 
vsevere cross-fire from the Seventieth and Seventy-second on 
the left and the Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth on the 
right. The enemy now began to fall back slowly, but des- 
perately contending for every foot of ground forced from. 
At this time a sharp, enfilading fire of shot and shell was 
opened on our right from a field fortification opposite. 

The ammunition of the troops on our left was by this 
time entirely expended, and they began gradually to fall 
back behind our batteries in the main road, and for the same 
cause the others on the right did the same. A few well-di- 
rected shots from our batteries kept the enemy in check, 
while the regiments were reforming and receiving fresh sup- 
plies of ammunition, which had just arrived on the ground. 
This was about 4 p. m., at which time re-enforcements ar- 
rived and took up the position occupied by our troops. The 
Seventy-second and Seventy-third Regiments were marched 
subsequently to the rear of the troops engaged on the left as 
a support, and the Seventy-fourth kept in line at the rear to 
answer any call that might be made u]jon it. No other dis- 
position was made of the troops during the last part of the 
day, except that the Seventy-third was marched across the 
road to support a battery. 

At dark the regiments of the brigade were assembled in 
the timber on the east side of the road, where they passed 
the night, having been relieved by the arrival of fresh troops. 



WILLIAMSBURG. 31 

The bravery and conduct of the officers and men that 
fell under my observation were unexceptionable. They all 
did their whole duty as soldiers, and I trust to the entire 
satisfaction of the brigadier-general commanding the divi- 
sion, under whose immediate supervision and by whose 
direction the action was conducted. For details of the parts 
taken by the different regiments, I respectfully refer to the 
accompanying copies of reports of the regimental com- 
manders, and for the numbers killed, wounded and missing 
to the lists already ff)r warded to the headquarters of the 
division. 

In conclusion, 1 take occasion to express my satisfac- 
tion with the able manner in which I was assisted by my 
two aides. Lieutenants 0. H. Hart and H. E. Tremain, the 
latter during the whole day, and the former until about 4- 
P. M., when he was injured by the falling of his horse, and 
obliged to leave the field. 

I have the honor to be. Captain, very respectfully, your 
obedient servant, 

Nelson Taylor, 
Colonel. Commnnding Second Brigade. 
Cai'T. Joseph Dicklnson, 

Assistant Adjutant General, Hooker^ s Division. 
0. W. R. Vol. X[ Pt. 1, P. 480. 

FROM [£i:rORT of (lENERAL HOOKER. 

Headquarters Hooker's Division, 

Third Army Corps, 

Williamsburg, Va., May JOtli, 1862. 
Captain: 

I have the honor to report that under the instructions 

received through the head(]uaT'ters Third Army Corps dated 

May 4th, to support Stonenian and aid him in cutting off the 



32 WILLIAMSBURG. 

retreat of the enemy, my division marched from its camp be- 
fore Yorktown about noon that day. We marched toward 
Williamsburg. After advancing five or six miles on this 
road, I learned that Brigadier General Stoneman had fallen 
upon the rear of the enemy's retreating column, and was 
then awaiting the arrival of an infantry force to attack 
him. This was five or six miles in advance of me, and im- 
mediately I left my command and galloped to the front in 
order to see what disposition it would be necessary to make 
of my force on its arrival. While here I was informed that 
Brigadier-General Smith's division had filed into the road 
in advance of my command, and that in consequence my 
division would be compelled to halt until after Smith's had 
passed. I immediately returned to the head of my column, 
where I found my division halted, and, as Smith's was 
extended, it was between three and four hours in passing. 
As sood as this was ascertained, and feeling that Stoneman 
would require no additional support, I applied to Brigadier- 
General Heintzelman, the senior officer charged with the 
advance on the Yorktown road, for authority to throw my 
command on to the Hampton road, which intercepted that 
on which Brigadier-General Stoneman had halted at the 
identical point his enemy occupied. The angle formed by the 
two roads is a little less than a right angle. Obtaining this 
permission, the head of my division left the Brick Church 
about dark, and pressed forward, in order if practicable, 
to come up with the enemy before morning. This however, 
I soon found would be impossible, for the roads were fright- 
ful, the night intensely dark and rainy, and many of my men 
were exhausted from loss of sleep and labor the night before 
in the trenches. 

The troops were halted in the middle of the road between 
10 and 11 o'clock P. M., resolved to stop until daylight 



WILLIAMSTIURG. 33 

when we started a<;ain, and came in sight of the enemy's 
works before Willianisbui'g about 5:30 o'clock in the morn- 
ing-. 

Before emerging from the forest the column was halted, 
while I rode to the front to find what could be learned of 
the position of the enemy. The first work that presented 
itself was Fort Magruder, and this was standing at the 
junction of the Yorktown and Hampton roads, and on each 
side of it was a cordon of redoubts, extending as far as 
could be seen. Subsequently I found their number to be 
thirteen, and extending entirely across the Peninsula, the 
right and left of them resting on the waters of the York and 
James Rivers. Approaching them from the south, they are 
concealed by heavy forest, until the observer is within less 
than a mile of their locality. Where the forest trees had 
been standing nearer than this distance, the trees had 
been felled, in order that the occupants of the redoubts 
might have timely notice of the appi-oach of an enemy, and 
early strike him with artillery. The trees had been felled in 
this manner on both sides of the road on which we had ad- 
vanced for a breadth of almost half a mile; and the same was 
the case on the Yorktown road. Between the edge of the 
felled timber and the fort was a belt of clear, arable land, 
six hundred or seven hundred yards in width. This was 
dotted all over with rifle pits. In connection with the re- 
doubts themselves, I may be permitted to state that I found 
them near the eastern and southern verge of a slightly elevat- 
ed plain, the slopes of which wei-e furrowed with winding ra- 
vines, with an almost boundless, gently undulating plain 
reaching across the Peninsula, and extending to the north 
and west as far as the eye could reach. The landscape is 
y)icturesque, and not a little heightened by the large trees 
and venerable spires of Williamsburg, two miles distant. 



34 WILLIAMSBURG. 

Fort Magruder appears to be the largest of these redoubts, 
its crest measuring nearly/ half a mile, with substantial par- 
apets, ditches, magazines, etc. This was located to com- 
mand the Yorktown and Hampton Koads, and the redoubts 
in its vicinity to command the ravines which the guns of 
Fort Magruder could not sweep. 

Being in pursuit of a retreating army, I deemed it my 
duty to lose no time in making the disposition of my forces 
to attack, regardless of their number and position, except to 
accomplish the result with the least possible sacrifice of life- 
By so doing my division, if it did not capture the army before 
me would at least hold them, in order thax some others 
might. Besides, I knew of the presence of more than 30,000 
troops not two miles distant from me, and that within 
twelve miles, — four hours march, — was the bulk of the army 
of the Potomac. 

My own position was tenable for double that length of 
time against three times my number.'" * * * * 

"It was now after one o'clock, and the battle had swoll- 
en into one of gigantic proportions. The left had been 
reinforced with the Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth New 
York Regiments — the only remaining ones of ni}^ reserve 
under Colonel Taylor, and all were engaged; yet its fortunes 
would ebb and flow, despite the most determined courage 
and valor of my devoted officers and men. Three times the 
enemy approached within eighty yards of the road, which 
was the center of my operations, and as often were they 
thrown back with violence and slaughter. Every time his 
advance was made with fresh troops, and each succeeding 
one seemed to be in greater force and determination. At this 
juncture word was received from Colonel Taylor that the 
regiments of his command longest engaged were falling 



WILLIAMSBURG. 35 

short of ammunition, and when lie was informed that the 
supply train was not yet up, a ])ortion of his command pre- 
sented an obstinate front to the advance of the enemy, with 
no cartridges other than those gathered from the boxes of 
the fallen." * 

"Between four and five o'clock Brigadier General 
Kearny, with all his characteristic gallantry, arrived on the 
ground at the head of his division, and after having secured 
their positions, my division was withdrawn from the con- 
test and held as a reserve until dark, when the battle ended, 
after a prolonged and severe conflict against three times my 
number, directed by the most ac(;omplished general of the 
rebel army. Major General J. E. Johnston, assisted by Gen- 
erals Longstreet, Pryor, Gholson and Pickett, with com- 
mands selected from the best troops in their army. 

The lists of the killed and wounded attest the charactei- 
of the contest. The killed of the enemy must have been dou- 
ble my own. Of the wounded, we cannot estimate. Eight 
hundred were left in hospitals in Williamsburg, and others 
were distributed among the private houses of the city, while 
all the available tenements in the vicinity of the field of bat- 
tle are filled with them. Three hundred prisoners were 
taken. As soon as darkness concealed their movements, the 
rebels retreated in a state of utter demoralization, leaving 
behintl artillery, wagons, etc." * * * * 

"History will not be believed when it is told that the 
noble officers and men of my division were ])ermitted to 
carry on this unequal struggle from morning until night 
unaided in the ])resence of more than 80,000 of their com- 
rades with arms in their hands. Nevertheless, it is true. If 
we failed to capture the rebel army on the plains of Wil- 



36 WILLIAMSBURG. 

liamsburg, it surely will not be ascribed to the want of eon- 
duct and courage in my command," * * * * 

Joseph Hooker, 
Brigadier General, Commanding Division. 
Capt. Chauncey McKeever, 

Assistant Adjutant General, Third Army Corps. 
0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part 1, P. 464. 



from report of general heintzelman. 

Headquarters Third Corps, 
Williamsburg, Va., May 7th, 1862. 
General : 

"I cannot find words to do justice to the gallantrj^ of 
General Hooker's division. The smoke and rain were driven 
by the wind into the faces of our men. Even the elements 
were combined against us. Notwithstanding the disheart- 
ening circumstances that our troops knew we had three 
divisions idle on their right, within hearing of their mus- 
ketry, they held their ground as long as they had any am- 
munition, with a fearful loss of life, against great odds, in a 
fortified position until General Kearny's division made a 
forced march of nine miles through rain and mud, over a 
road obstructed by troops going to the right, where they 
were not wanted. I cannot find words to express my ad- 
miration of their gallantry," * * * * 

S. P, Heintzelman, 

Brigadier General. 
General George B, McClellan, 

Commanding Army of the Potomac, 
Williamsburg, Va. 
0. W, R. Vol, XI, Part 1, P. 459. 



WILLIAMSr.URO. 37 

Camp Nineteen Miles from Williamshm^g, 
May nth, 1SG2. 

Hon. E. M. Stanton, 
Secretary of War : 

Without waiting further for official reports which have 
not yet reached me, I wish tobeartestiuKJuy to tlie splendid 
conduct of Hooker's and Kearn3''s divisions under General 
Heintzelraan, in the battle of Williamsburg. Their bearing 
was worthy of veterans. Hooker's division for hours gal- 
lantly withstood the attack of greatly superior numbers, 
with heavy loss, Kearny's arrived in time to restore the for- 
tune of the day, and came most gallantly into action. I 
shall probably h.ave occasion to call attention to other 
commands, and do not wish to do injury to them by men- 
tioning them now. Had I the full information I now have 
in regard to the troops above named when I first telegraph- 
ed, they would have been specially mentioned and com- 
mended. I spoke only of what I knew at the time, and I 
shall rejoice to do full justice to all engaged. 

Geo. B. ^hCLELLAN, 

Major General. 
0. W. R. Vol. Xr. Part 3. p. 164. 



Nelson Taylor, Brigadier General U. S. Vols., was 
born in South Norwalk, Conn., June 8, 1821, his parents re- 
moving shortly thereafter to New York City. He received a 
common school education. At the beginning of the war with 
Mexico he joined the arm}^ August 1st, 1846, as Captain of 
Company E of the 1st New York Volunteers (better known 
as Stevenson's Regiment) served through the war, and at 
its close settled in Stockton, San Joaquin County, Califor- 
nia, served as Sheriff of San Joaquin County, and as a mem- 
ber of the State Senate. Returning to New York City, he 
studied law, taking his degree at the New York University, 
and subsequently at the Harvard Law School in 1860. At 
the beginning of the Civil war he entered the volunteer ser- 
vice as Colonel of the 72nd New York Infantry. He com- 
manded this regiment, which formed a, part of General 
Sickles' brigade during the Chickahominy campaign. He 
had command of the brigade at Williamsburg, and in Gen- 
eral John Pope's Virginia campaign, and was appointed 
Brigadier General of Volunteers in recognition of his ser- 
vices, on September 7, 1862. He resigned on January 19, 
1863 on account of physicial disability, resumed practice 
of law in New York City, and was elected as a Democrat 
to Congress, serving from December 4, 1865, till March 3, 
1867. In 1869 he removed to South Norwalk, Conn., where 
he continued the practice of his profession. While declining 
public office, he actively promoted the establishment of a 
city water system, a free library, a building and loan asso- 
ciation, the last undertaking to claim his energies being the 
launching of one of the earliest, if not the first municipally- 
owned electric light plant in the country. General Taylor 
died of pneumonia at South Norwalk on January 16th, 
1894, at the age of seventy-two. 



CHAPTP]R V. 

Fair Oaks, JrxE, 1802. 

Remained near Williamsburg- nntil May 10th, when the 
Third Army (^orps started np the Peninsula, advancing 
slowly until May 25th, when Hooker's division went into 
camp in White Oak Swam]), fourteen miles trom Richmond, 
guarding roads leading to the left. 

SpechiJ Or{Jt^rs,\ Headquarters Army of the Potomac. 
No. loO. j Cnnip near Cold Hurbor, MnT 24, 1862, 

IV. Brig. Gen. D. E. Sickles having reported to the com- 
manding general, in pursuance of instructions from the War 
Department, will re])ort to Brig. Gen. .lose])h Hooker, for 
the conmiand of the Second Brigade of his division, — Third 
Corps. * * * *■ 

By command of Major General McCleelax. 
S. Williams, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 
0. W. R. Vol. XT, Part HI, P. 190. 

May 31st, at fonr P. M., marching orders were received. 
Marched seven miles to the front near Seven Pines, where 
Casey's division had been surprised and severely handled by 
the rebels. The front was reached at seven P. M., the bri- 
gade going into line of battle at once, and lay on their arms, 
a. very heavy rain falling all night. 

Sunday, June 1st, at seven A. M., the Third Regiment 
advanced in line of battle about one mile, the Second and 
Foui-th i-egim(Mits making a gallant charge on the right. 
General Philip Kearny, who rode across the front of the 



40 FAIR OAKS. 

Third regiment during this advance, complimented it very 
highly for its steadiness, saying he had never seen a better 
line on dress parade. 

General Sickles, in his official report, says : 

"On the left Colonel Taylor moved steadily forward in 
line, as if on parade, to the edge of the timber in front, 
where he was directed to halt." Again, "The dashing 
charge of the Second and Fourth Regiments, the cool and 
steady advance of the Third, occurred under my immediate 
observation, and could not have been surpassed. The bold 
and vigorous movement of the Fifth and First to the right 
was in the main concealed from my view by the heav^^ tim- 
ber through which they passed, "^riie best evidence that 
these regiments sustained their reputation is found in the 
fact that they drove the enemy from his position by their 
sustained fire and with the unfailing bayonet." 

During the day an omnibus marked, "Columbus Hotel, 
Richmond, Va." with four horses, was captured. It was 
being used by the rebels to carry wounded to Richmond. 
The omnibus was driven to brigade headquarters, and 
turned over to General Sickles for his personal quarters. 
General Sickles sent the omnibus to General Heintzelman, 
with a suggestion that when he entered Richmond he pat- 
ronize the Columbus Hotel. General Heintzelman said, "It 

would seem as though those d d fellows of Sickles had 

got into Richmond, and were keeping hotel; if they have, 
they must have wings and have flown in, as they could not 
get there in any other way." 

Monday morning, .June 2nd, an advance was made, the 
rebels falling back into their main lines about Richmond. 
The brigade was on continuous duty from May 31st until 
the evening of June 4th, when it was relieved by the First 
Brigade. During this time the regiment performed the 



FAIR OAKS. 41 

hardest, and in some respects the most disagreeable service 
it was ever called u])()n to do. The loss by death on both 
sides was very heavy on May 81st, and the rebels were 
driven from the field so soon that the}' had not time to care 
for nearly all their own dead, and of course did not try to 
care for the Union dead. It Avas very wet May 31st and 
June 1st, then very hot, and more rain, the result being- 
that the bodies decomposed ra[)idly, many when found, 
being in such condition that all that could be done was to 
cover them with earth, and all had to be cared for l\y the 
brigade in addition to skirmishing, doing ])icket duty and 
guarding roads in the rear; and when finally relieved, so 
that the regiment could go into camp, the most available 
ground for camp j)urpo.s'es was literally covered with mag- 
gots, and for several days the only water that could be had 
was surface water. 

Five men were wounded June 1st. 

Headquarters Lep^t of Line, 
June 2nd, 1862, 11:45 A. M. 
General Mar( y, 

ChiefofStaff: 
General Hooker reports that he is two miles in advance 
of Casey's camp, and about four miles from Richmond, with 
seven regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry 
(Gregg's Eighth Pennsj'lvania); the rebel pickets fell back as 
he advanced. He has seen no large body of the enemy. The 
roads ai-e impassable for the artillery. What orders shall I 
give General Hooker for to-night? He is advancing with 
great caution. 

S. P. Heintzelman, 

Brigadwr General. 
0. W. R. Vol. 107, ]\ 654. 



42 FAIR OAKS. 

In the Field, seven miles from Richmond, Fa., 

June 3rd, 1862. 

Colonel: In obedience to instructions from you, T start- 
ed from camp at 9:30 o'clock last ev^ening to do picket dut}^ 
in front of the lines of this corps, having- under my command 
the following companies of your regiment, viz: Company D, 
Lieutenant Howard commanding, 32 men; Company E, Cap- 
tain Toomey, 50 men; Company F, Captain Leonard, 48 
men; Company G, Captain Bliss, 48 men; Company H, Cap- 
tain Doyle, 40 men; Company I, Lieutenant Fogerty com- 
manding, 42 men; in all, 260 men 

I found the redoubt and rifle pits which were formerly 
occupied by General Casey's division unoccupied. 

The following disposition of the force under my command 
was made for the night: Captain Bliss occupied the rifle pit 
to the riglit of the turnpike, with one half his company, and 
threw out the other half as outlying pickets upon his front 
and right flank, the left of these pickets resting upon the turn- 
pike. Company E, Captain Toomey occupied the rifle pit 
upon the left of the turnpike. Company D was all thrown 
out as outlying pickets, the right resting on the turnpike and 
the left reaching three hundred yards to the left of the turn- 
pike. One sergeant and tvro men were thrown forward up- 
on the turnpike one hundred and fifty yards in advance of 
the right of the pickets of this company. Company F, Cap- 
tain Leonard, and H, Captain Doyle, were posted in the re- 
doubt, each occupying a face looking to the front. Company 
I, Lieutenant Fogerty, was posted one half in the rifle pit on 
the i-ight side of the road, which runs in the rear of the re- 
doubt at right angles with the turnpike and in the direction 
of the James Eiver; the other half as outlying pickets, the 
left resting on this last road and the right stretching to a 
point near the woods in front of the redoubt; three men from 



FAIR OAKS. 43 

this com] )aiiy were ])()ste(l oiie-ei,i»'litl] of a mile foi-ward upon 
this road. All the outlviiijj,' pickets were posted two hundred 
yards in advance of the su])])orts, were ])hiced in pairs, the 
men lying flat on the ground, with instructions not to fire 
unless a superior force a])proached, and in a menacing manner. 
During the night not a shot was fired by any of thecom- 
mand. The first part of the night a. bright light, as of a 
camp fire, \vas observed, apparently two or* three miles dis- 
tant, in the direction of Richmond. This light diminished 
much afterward. At two o'clock this morning the sound of 
a drum was heard for a few minutps. It came from the di- 
rection of the light, and was a])])ai'ently from one to two 
miles distant. Whether it was a long roll or a call I cannot 
state. In the course of the night three shots were fired, 
which seemed to come from the pickets of the enemy. They 
were in a direction a little south of west from us, and the 
nearest was at least three (quarters of a mile away. At the 
first break of dawn our outlying pickets fell back upon their 
supports in the rifle pits, and company I) was then posted 
in the rifle pit on the extreme left. At sunrise we discovered 
pickets from the Nineteenth Massachusetts Regiment half a 
mile in advance of our right wing, and coming up to the old 
log house on the right of the turnpike. At this time 1 re- 
ported to you that nearly all the force might, in my opinion, 
be withdrawn, and by your diiection I withdrew all but 
Company E, Captain Toomey, who was instructed to post 
two men in advance of the log house on the turnpike, six men 
on the road leading toward the James River and half a mile 
forward, and to hold the balance of his command in the re- 
doubt. At daylight a few shots were hred by the enemy's 
pickets in fi-ont, which were probably merely a discharge of 
their pieces. At eight o'clock Cf)m])any E was relieved by 
two companies of the Second Regiment of this brigade. 



44 



FAIR OAKS. 



During- the night the men were exposed to a drenching 
rain, but all discharged their duty with fidelity, while I am 
under particular obligations to the officers for their vigilance 
and promptness. 

The above are all the incidents which were observed of 
interest during the night. 

Verj respectfully submitted, 

William O. Stevens, 
Major Third Regt., Ex. Brig. Second (Hooker's) Division. 
CoL. Nelson Taylor, 

Commanding Third Regiment. 
0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part 1, P. 832. 

HEADQUARTERS THIRD REGIMENT, EXCELSIOR BRIGADE, 

Camp near Fair Oaks Station, June 5th, 1862. 
Lieutenant : 

In accordance with orders, this regiment broke camp 
near Bottom's Bridge about 3:30 P. M., Saturday, May 
31st, leaving behind the camp and garrison equipage and 
the knapsacks of the men. The regiment proceeded in light 
marching order toward the camps of Couch's and Casey's 
divisions, on the road leading toward Richmond, for the 
purpose of supporting these divisions, who were said to be 
engaged by the enemy. About eight o'clock P. M. I arrived 
at a cross road, said to be eight miles from Richmond, and 
receiving orders, bivouacked, lying upon our arms. 

On Sunday morning, June 1st, the line was formed at 7 
A. M. I was ordered to march, taking the road toward 
Richmond. After proceeding about one hundred rods I 
received an order from General Heintzelman to form line and 
advance to a piece of woods to the left of the road, and hold 
that position, which was accordingly done. I deployed two 



FAIR OAKS. 45 

companies to the front, to act as skirmishers, and remained 
in this position until seven o'clock on Monday morning*. 
About twelve M. of Sunday, the enemy opened upon us from 
a field battery, throwhig shell and shot into the woods to 
the front; also in the i-ear into the field, evidently trying to 
ascertain or drive us from our position. This firing was 
kept up at short intervals for about an hour, when it ceased 
entirely. 

About ten P. M. Sunday night the long roll Avas beat to 
our rear, and at the same time a noise was heard as if a 
body of troops were moving past our front toward our left. 
The line was preserved during the night, the men lying upon 
their arms, and with this exception nothing occured during 
the night. 

About daylight Monday, June 2, I received orders to 
hold my command in readiness to march. About seven A. M. 
I received orders to follow immediately in rear of a battery 
of Major Wainwright's artillery. In accordance w'ith these 
orders, I moved forward about eight A. M., and proceeded 
to the camjj lately occupied by Casey's division. 

In obedience to orders I placed my command in the tren- 
ches as a support to the battery, remaining here until three 
P. M., when, being ordered, I returned in rear of thebatter}'^, 
and bivouacked in the woods lately occupied as a camp by a 
part of Couch's division. 

At about eight P. M. 1 received an order to do picket 
duty with my command, to which w^as added two compan- 
ies of the Fifth New Jersey Regiment, Third Bi'igade, in front, 
and on the flanks of our position. In accordance with these 
orders, I directed Maj. William 0. Stevens to take six com- 
panies of my command, and proceed to the works lately oc- 
cupied by Casey's divisi(jn, and make such disposition of 
them as in his judgment seemed most judicious. Major 



46 FAIR OAKS. 

Ramsey, of the Fifth New Jersey Regiment, having reported 
to me with one hundred of that regiment, I directed him to 
take charge of them with the four remaining companies of 
my command, and place a part as outposts on the road 
leading toward James River, also a few on our right flank, 
connecting with those thrown out by Major Stevens on his 
right, and the balance to be held in reserve at the rifle pits 
in front of the camp lately occupied by Couch's division, and 
close to the battery in front of our camp. The report of 
Major Stevens is herewith forwarded and made apart of this 
report. Major Ramsey made no other than a verbal report, 
"That nothing was heard during the night by his pickets." 
The night passed with no alarms. 

About seven A. M. Tuesday, .June 3rd, being relieved and 
ordered to go into camp about half a mile back, I withdrew 
all these pickets. About twenty minutes afterwards I was 
ordered with my command to the front, and placed to the 
right of the road leading to Richmond, and on the right of 
the Second Regiment of this brigade, also being to the right 
of the work in front of Casey's old camp. My command 
stood in line under arms until about four P. M., when I was 
ordered back to guard a road called the Mill Road, and run- 
ning to the left from the Richmond road, and just in rear of 
Couch's old camp. I sent one company out as advanced 
pickets about a mile to the front; I also sent another com- 
pau}^ on the same road about a quai'ter of a mile as a sup- 
port; also pickets on another road leading to the right from 
this road. Between eight and nine o'clock a shot was heard, 
immediately followed by a volley, which was soon ascer- 
tained to be a false alarm. With this exception all was 
quiet during the night, and nothing was seen indicating the 
presence of the enemy in this direction. The men lay upon 
their arms in a violent rain storm the night through. 



FAIR OAKS. 47 

About six A. AL, Wednesday-, June 4tli, a cavah-y officer 
with ten men reported to nie to do picket duty on the Mill 
Road, and to reheve the pickets whicli I had thrown for- 
ward on that road. Under my directions he threw forward 
liis men on different roads, visiting several houses, making 
inquiries, etc. He rej)orted to me that at one house he 
found one Confederate ofhcer and three men lying wounded. 
I directed Surgeon Irwin to proceed to the house and attend 
to them. After returning, he reported that he had dressed 
their wounds; that none were mortally wounded, but were 
destitute of any conveniences. I directed him to report that 
fact to the brigade surgeon, that he might send an ambu- 
lance and remove them to a proper place. After being re- 
lieved by the cavalry ofhcer, I was ordered to take my 
command to the front as a support to the batteries at 
Casey's old camp, where I remained until about five P. M., 
when two companies of my command were sent under 
charge of Major Stevens to relieve two companies of 
the Sixth New Jersey Regiment, Third Brigade, as 
pickets. The balance of my command was relieved by the 
Eleventh Massachusetts Regiment, First Brigade, and re- 
turned to Couch's old camp, and went into camp for the 
first time since breaking up near Bottom's Bridge. 

I am, Sir, very res])ectfulh', your obedient servant. 

Nelson Tavlok, 
Colonel, Commanding Regiment. 
Lieut. H. E. Tremaix, 

Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. Second Brigade, Hooker^ s Division. 
O. W. R. Vol. XI, Part 1, P. 880. 

The Third Brigade of Hooker's Division at this time 
was composed of the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Reg- 
iments New Jersey Volunteers, commanded by Colonel S. H. 



48 FAIR OAKS. 

Starr, of the Fifth Eegiment. The following extract from 
his report, dated June 4th, 1862, gives "Officially" the ex- 
perience of the Excelsior Brigade, as well as that of the 
Fifth and Sixth New Jersey Regiments. 

"The Fifth and Sixth Regiments have been for four days 
and nights under arms in battle, reconnaisance, and in hold- 
ing the most advanced position on this flank of the army. 
They are still under arms, and see no prospects of an hour's 
rest for days to come. They have been exposed night and 
day to deluges of rain, and have suffered every species of 
privation incident to an army in an enemy's country; but 
among the greatest of their sufferings may be ranked the in- 
tolerable stench to which they have been and are exposed, 
arising from the unburied dead bodies of men and horses 
that were and are thickly scattered over the ground for 
hundreds of acres around. I have caused to be buried all 
my men's strength and time enabled them to bury, but I 
suffer many to be unburied not many hundred yards dis- 
tant." 

0. W. R., Vol. XI, Part 1, P. 836. 

The Fifth and Sixth New Jersey Regiments went to the 
front with the Excelsior Brigade on May 31st, while the 
Seventh and Eighth Regiments were left near Bottom's 
Bridge, guarding roads leading to the left and rear. 

The following extract from the report of Lieutenant 
Colonel Joseph Trawin, commanding the Eighth Regiment, 
dated June 5th, 1862, shows why the troops at the front 
were not relieved earlier. It was simply impossible to move 
troops across the Chickahominy River to relieve them until 
the bridges were rebuilt. 

"On Monday, owing to the heavy rains of recent date, 
or from some other cause, the Chickahominy became greatly 
swollen and the swampy ground in the vicinity overflown. 



FAIR OAKS. 49 

The bridges were all carried away with the exception of the 
one over the railroad. On learning- this, forces were detailed 
from the Seventh and Eighth Regiments of sufficient 
strength to rebuild the bridges. These fatigue parties were 
kept at work with proper reliefs day and night, until this 
morning, when the work was finished. This work was 
considered of great importance, as without bridges the sup- 
plies for the army would have been materially disturbed, as 
well as a possible falling back be unprovided for. As it was, 
on Monday evening one bridge was so far repaired as to al- 
low the free passage of teams about six hours after their be- 
ing carried away. The command was relieved this morning 
by a brigade of Casey's division, a part of which came on 
the ground yesterday." 
0. W. R. Vol XI, Part 1, P. 837. 

June 12th the Excelsior Brigade got into quite a skir- 
mish, during which five men of the Third Regiment were 
wounded. 

HEADQUARTERS THIRD REGIMENT, EXCELSIOR BRIGADE, 

Camp near Seven Pines, Va., 

June 19th, 1862. 
Captain: 

In res[)onse to circular dated Headquarters Army of the 
Potomac, June 18th, 1862, calling for report of the volun- 
teer officers who have proved themselves under my observa- 
tion worthy of special notice for rewards, I have the honor 
to submit the following: 

That the services and duties rendered and ])erformedby 
the officers of this regiment in this campaign have, without 
exception, "Proved themselves worthy of s{)ecial notice for 
rewards." It would be difficult to discriminate where all 
have done well. 



50 FAIR OAKS. 

I therefore suggest that if rewards are bestowed, that 
they be distributed equally among the officers under my 
command. Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

N. Taylor, 
€apt. 0. H. Hart, Colonel. 

Asst. Adjt. Genl. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Oak Grove, Peach Orchard, Glenuale, White Oak Swamp, 

First and Second Malvern Hill. 

June, July, August, 3 862. 

It was picket dut}- and skirmishing- exevy otliei- day till 
June 25th, when an advance was ordered. The brig-ade was 
formed in line of battle, three regiments on the left of the 
Williamsburg- road, with two on the right. The Third Reg- 
iment was on the left of the brigade. With severe skirmish- 
ing the brigade advanced, driving the enemy through the 
woods, and across the open ground beyond, a distance of 
about one mile and a half, the line being established at the 
edge of the opening. 

After remaining here a short time orders were received to 
fall back to the position where the line was formed in the 
morning. In about two hours orders were received to again 
advance, tlic brigade (h-iving the enemy after a stubborn re- 
sistance, over the same ground as in the morning, and re- 
mained on the advanced line vmtil 7 P. M., when it was re- 
lieved by a brigade from Couch's division, and returned to 
camp. 

In this engagement, which is known as "The Orchards," 
or "Oak Grove," the regiment lost 2l\ men wounded, and 5 
missing— total 28. 

At this time Richmond could have l)een taken with small 
loss. The enemy had been driven into their main line of works^ 
and the skirmishers learned by climbing trees overlooking 
these works that the rebels had a verv small force in theuL 



52 OAK GROVE. 

General Sickles urged General Heintzelman, commanding the 
corps, to give his permission to make the attempt. The 
subject was referred to General McClellan, who would not 
permit it. 

That the Confederate leaders were very anxious and 
fearful at this time is shown by the following extract from 
the report of Major General J. Bankhead Magruder, com- 
manding the Confederate forces in front of the Third Corps : 

"From the time at which the enemy withdrew his forces 
to this side of the Chickahominy and destro^^ed the bridges, 
to the moment of his evacuation, that is, from Friday night 
until Sunday morning, I considered the situation of our 
army as extremely critical and perilous. The larger portion 
of it was on the opposite side of the Chickahominy, the 
bridges had all been destroyed, but one was rebuilt (the 
New Bridge) which was commanded fully by the enemy's 
guns from Golding's, and there were but 25,000 men be- 
tween his army of 100,000 and Kichmond, 

I received repeated instructions during Saturday night 
from General Lee's headquarters, enjoining upon ray com- 
mand the utmost vigilance, directing the men to sleep on 
their arms and be prepared for whatever might occur. 
These orders were promptly communicated by me to the dif- 
ferent commanders of my forces, and were also transmitted 
to General Huger, on my right. I passed the night without 
sleep and in superintendence of their execution. Had Mc- 
Clellan massed his whole force in column and advanced it 
against any point of our line of battle, as was done at Aus- 
terlitz under similar circumstances b}^ the greatest captain 
of any age, though the head of his column would have suf- 
fered greatly, its momentum would have insured him suc- 
cess, and the occupation of our works about Richmond, and 
consequently, of the city, might have been his reward. 



OAK GROVE. 53 

His failure to do so is the best evidence that our wise 
commander fully understood the character of his opponent. 
Our relief was therefore great when intelligence reached us 
almost simultaneously from Colonel Chilton and one of my 
staff that the enemy whose presence had been ascertained as 
late as 3:30 A. M. had evacuated his works and was retreat- 
ing." 
0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part IT, P. 662. 

June 27th the regiment was on picket with a good deal 
of skirmishing. On the 28th it was called to the front at 3 
A. M., and again at 10 A. M. Orders were received at night 
to break camp and destroy everything that could not be 
carried. Early on the morning of the 29th the brigade occu- 
pied the front line. When the artillery had moved to the 
rear the pickets were drawn in and the division marched 
back to the position of June 1st. A part of the brigade had 
a severe skirmish at or near Allen's Farm, or Peach Orchard. 
Remained in this position till about 3 P. M. when the bri- 
gade fell back to near Savage Station, when orders were re- 
ceived to march to the left through White Oak Swamp, and 
w^ent into bivouac about 10 P. M. On June SOtli the battle 
of Glendale or W^illis Church was fought. 

General Sickles in his report says : 

"At this moment my Second regiment was ordered to 
report to General Sumner, and, learning that the First and 
Sixteenth Massachusetts, of this division were also sent to 
support our position on the right, I reluctantly relinquished 
the design of moving my left forward even without artillery. 
Each regiment, as it was successively ])Osted on my left 
Hank (Third Excelsior, Second New York and Eleventh Mas- 
sachusetts), by throwing forward skirmishers and flankers, 
captured numbers of prisoners — at least 150 in all — and 
among these the field and some of the line officers, together 



54 WHITE OAK SWAMP. 

with the colors of Regiment. These pris- 
oners were sent to the rear in charge of Captain Chester, of 
my staff, with directions to report with them to the division 
or corps commander, and, in their absence, to turn them 
over to the nearest provost-marshal. My loss during the 
day was limited to a small number wounded, which is em- 
braced in the list of casualties heretofore reported. I regret 
exceedingly that Private Patrick Connor, Company E, Third 
Regiment, was seriously injured by falling from the tree in 
which he was rendering important service as a lookout. 
Corporal Bowen, Company D, Third Regiment, was exceed- 
ingly active and useful in discharging the same duties." 
0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part II, P. 138. 

Remained in position on the field until daybreak, July 
1st, when the pickets were withdrawn; the brigade joined 
the division and marched to Malvern Hill. The brigade lay 
on their arms till 2 P. M., when it was sent to support the 
First Brigade in front. About 5 P. M. the Excelsior Brigade 
was ordered to report to General Porter, commanding the 
Fifth corps, and was deployed to support batteries. About 
dark the Third Regiment was ordered to the front to relieve 
the Thirty-first Pennsylvania, which regiment had exhaust- 
ed their ammunition. 

Headquarters Third Regiment, 
Excelsior Brigade, 
Camp near Harrison's Landing, Va., July 4th, 1862. 
Captain: 

I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
part taken by the regiment under my command in the at- 
tack made by the enemy upon the corps of General Porter 
and division of General Couch on the 1st instant. 

At about half an hour before sunset notice was given me 
that the brigade was ordered to support General Porter. 



MALVERN HILL. 55 

The Brigade, in going to support, marched left in front, my 
regiment being upon the left of the brigade. Upon ap- 
proaching the scene of action after some delay, which was 
occasioned by the difficulty of finding the precise point where 
a support was needed, General Porter appeared, and direct- 
ed the brigadier-general commanding the brigade to support 
with his command two batteries, which were then stationed 
to the right and rear of a large farm house. By direction of 
the brigadier-general commanding the brigade, my regiment 
was immediately formed in line to the left and rear of the 
left battery. In a few moments I was directed by General 
Porter to report to General Couch, who held the right of the 
position, and who, it is said, needed support. 

Soon several officers, representing themselves to be of 
General Couch's staff, appeared, and, in answer to my in- 
quiry where to place my regiment, commenced to give a va- 
I'iety of directions which were confused and confiicting. 
After some difficulty I found an aide of General Couch, who 
informed me that my regiment was to go to the front of a 
piece of woods behind which the artillery' was posted. I 
moved my regiment by the right flank up a narrow road on 
the left of this piece of woods, until I reached an open field 
on the right, skirted on three sides by woods, and in this 
field our forces were engaging the enemy. I was to form my 
regiment in line and to relieve the Thirty-first Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, who were on the right of another 
regiment of Union troops — the Sixty-first New York, I think 
— and both engaging the enemy. 

Soon forming my regiment in line in rear of the Thirty- 
first Pennsylvania, they began to withdraw by the left 
fiank, and as soon as sufficient space was oj)ened by their 
withdrawal for a company to advance, I pushed forward 
my regiment by companies, commencing with my right 



56 MALVERN HILL. 

company, and directed each company as it was unmasked, 
to commence firing by file. This was done and when the 
front of the whole regiment was unmasked, I advanced the 
line to the same ground as that occupied by the Thirty-first 
Pennsylvania. 

Having been previously directed by General Porter, in 
the presence of the brigadier-general commanding the bri- 
gade, not to advance beyond the position then held by the 
regiment, which I was to relieve, I maintained this same 
ground throughout the rest of the action. The enemy I 
found to be posted in my front in the edge of the woods, and 
also in the woods to my right and nearer to my line there 
than in front. I then threw back the two right companies, 
so as to form an oblique line, and directed them to silence 
the fire coming from the woods on the right, and directed 
the rest of the regiment to take care of the fire in front. 

When I reached this ground it was already dusk, and 
the enemy's position could only be ascertained from the 
flash of their pieces. I directed my men to watch the flashes 
and fire low. 

After we had been a short time engaged I found that the 
battery in rear of my right flank was firing canister, and 
aiming so low as to endanger the safet}^ of the companies on 
that flank. Two men were killed and one certainly wound- 
ed by this flre. To avoid it I threw the four right companies 
to the rear into column, and kept them there until the bat- 
tery ceased firing, when they were again deployed into 
line and engaged. 

The firing was kept up briskly on both sides for about 
three-quarters of an hour, when the fire of the enemy sensi- 
bly diminished, and only a few shots were fired by them. 
Believing they had concluded to withdraw, I ordered my 
men to cease firing, but to load. This they did, and set up a 



MALVERN HILL. 57 

loud cheer. This seemed to provoke the enemy, who cheered 
in turn, and advanced out from the woods in force so near 
that they could be seen, and opened a destructive volley 
from the left and front. As they advanced I ordered the fir- 
ing to be renewed, and so rapidly and steadily was il kept 
up that the enemy withdrew in haste. As they withdrew I 
directed my men to aim a little higher so as to reach them 
as they retreated through the woods. Nothing more was 
heard of the enemy that night, except the slight noise of 
men collecting their dead and wounded. I should have 
stated that at the time my regiment took its place in line 
and commenced firing the other regiments of our troops 
ceased firing and rested in the field on their arms. 

By the time the enemy had been driven away my men 
had fired away in a little over an hour sixty rounds each; 
using the patent cartridge, they loaded and fired with great 
rapidity. 

During this action no man left the ranks. The dead lay 
where they fell, and the wounded were laid by the file-closers 
just in the rear of the line. The men kept perfectly closed up, 
and obeyed with alacrity every order. Of the conduct of all, 
officers and men, I can speak but in terms of commendation. 
It was most praiseworthy. 

When the firing was through I found that the First, Sec- 
ond and Fifth Regiments of this brigade were near by to 
support me, and my men having nearly exhausted their am- 
munition, I went to Major Holt, commanding tlie First 
Regiment, and obtained from him ten or fifteen rounds per 
man, which I distributed to my men. 

I was then directed by General Couch to withdraw my 
command back near the edge of the woods, leaving outlying 
pickets on the line I was occupying, which I did, and then 



58 MALVERN HILL. 

we lay on our arms until withdrawn, at about two o'clock 
A. M."^ 

My list of casualties which accompanies this, is quite 
large, — 14 killed and 47 wounded, making the total loss 61 
out of the whole number engaged — about 300. I have par- 
ticularly to regret the loss of Capt. Stephen M. Doyle, killed 
by a minie ball, who, upon this occasion, as before at 
Williamsburg, Fair Oaks and in the action of the 30th of 
June, was conspicuous for his gallantry. He was an accom- 
plished officer, an ornament to the regiment and to the ser- 
vice, and he fell as a true soldier falls. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 
Nelson Taylor, 
Capt. 0. H. Hart, Colonel Commanding Regiment. 

Assistant Adjutant General. 
0. W. K. Vol. XI, Part H, P. 145. 

General Sickles, in his report dated July 9th, 1862, says: 
"I have to regret the severe loss sustained by Colonel Taylor; 
Besides Capt. Stephen M. Doyle, an officer conspicuous for 
courage and zeal, who was killed early in the action; this 
regiment lost 14 killed and 47 wounded out of a force of 
about 300 engaged. 

Commendation is pre-eminently due to Colonel Taylor, 
Major Stevens and the officers and men of the Third Regi- 
ment for gallantry and distinquishedconductin this action." 
0. W. E. Vol. XI, Part II, P. 142. 

General Hooker, commanding the division, in his report 
dated July 18th, 1862, says: 

"About half an hour before sunset orders were sent me 
by General Sumner to dispatch a brigade of my command to 
the assistance of General Porter, and immediately General 
Sickles' brigade moved to that point. 



MALVERN HILL. 59 

For a full account of the important services rendered on 
the left I respectfully call the attention of the major-general 
commanding" the corj)s to the report of its chief herewith en- 
closed. I will especially invite his attention to that part of 
the report which relates to the brilliant conduct of Colonel 
Taylor's regiment, the Seventy-second New York Volunteers. 
The loss sustained by that regiment is the truest index of its 
services." 
0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part 11, P. 116. 

From the report of the commanding officer Third Army 
Corps, July 21:th, 1862. 

"General Sickles' brigade w^as sent lat^ in the day to aid 
General Porter's command. How w^ell it was done is w^ell 
set forth in the General's report. The conduct of Colonel 
Taylor's regiment, the Seventy -second New York Volunteers, 
was biilliant. 

I beg leave especially to call the attention of the com- 
manding general to the loss in battle of General Hooker's 
division since the 1st of June, 847 men; and since the open- 
ing of the campaign, 2,589. As they have uniforndy slept 
on the field of battle, no other evidence can be required of 
their gallantry and that of their distinguished commander." 
S. P. Heintzei.man, .' 

Brigade General, Commanding. 
General S. Williams, 

A. A. G. Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac. 
0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part II, P. 102. 

Harrison's Landing was reached late in the afternoon of 
July 2nd, and the Army of the Potomac settled down for a 
much needed rest. Remained quietly in camp until August 
•4th, when the division left camp at five P. M. and marched 
seven miles, lying in line of battle at night. Early on the 
morning of August 5th the division advanced to Malvern 



60 MALVERN HILL. 

Hill, surprising the enemy and capturing a number of pris- 
oners. During this skirmish one of those strange incidents 
occurred that seem almost impossible. A case shot from 
the enemy exploded in the ranks of the regiment without in- 
juring a man. Lay in line of battle at night. The pickets 
were withdrawn at eleven P. M. August 6th, and the divi- 
sion started for Harrison's Landing, marching very fast, 
a>nd reached camp at 3 A. M., August 7th. 

Headquarters Excelsior Brigade, 

Camp near Harrison's Bar, James River, Va., 

August 9, 1862. 
Captain: 

I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders 
from headquarters. Hooker's division, this brigade, took 
the position it was assigned in the column (which was im- 
mediately in rear of De Hussy's battery) and marched with 
the division from this camp about five P. M. August 4th, in 
the following order : Second Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel 
H, L. Potter, commanding. First Regiment, Major Thomas 
Holt commanding; Fifth Regiment, Captain H. M. AUes com- 
manding; Fourth Regiment, Captain Thomas Smith com- 
manding; Third Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel I. Moses 
commanding. Pursuant to orders, De Russy's battery was 
closely followed until about eleven P. M., when, by orders 
from General Hooker the brigade was formed in line, and 
the men rested on their arms until 3 A. M. August 5th. The 
column was then put on the march in the same order as be- 
fore. We passed Nelson's farm, near Charles City Cross 
Roads, about sunrise, and advanced from there towards 
Malvern Hill, where about six A. M. by orders of Major Gen- 
eral Hooker, it was formed in line on the left of the First 
Brigade, under a heavy fire of shell from a section of the en- 
emy's artillery in our immediate front. Just previous to 



MARVERN HILL. 61 

marching: that mornino; two moimted scouts of the enemy, 
appearing* within a few lumdred feet of my line, were fired at 
by some of our men, and one of them, well armed and mount- 
ed, was captured. The line was formed skirting; a. belt of 
timber, and as much as possible protected from the enemy's 
fire by the rising ground in front. Soon after a line of the 
enemy's vedettas were distinctly seen on our left, when by 
order of General Hooker, a company of skirmishers was sent 
out from the Third Regiment to observe our left flank, front, 
and rear, A squad of our cavalry appeared at the same time 
on the left, the enemy retired into the woods, and did not 
again show himself in that vicinitv. Two of their mounted 
scouts, having been cut off from their company, voluntarily 
surrendered themselves under a white flag, and were placed 
under a guard from the Second Regiment of this brigade; 
and their horses and equipments turned over to the brigade 
quartermaster. 

About this time the firing of the enemy ceased and he 
retreated, leaving one caisson and all the implements of one 
gun in our possession. 

The Third Regiment was now, by order of General 
Hooker, sent as a picket on the left of my skirmishers, and 
advanced half a mile or more to the left; but saw no signs of 
the enemy, and they returned, by order, in about an hour. 
My line was then advanced near the house formerly occupied 
as a hospital by our troops, where, with the exception of 
the Fourth Regiment, the men were rested. The Fourth 
Regiment, by order of General Hooker, was occupied as a 
corps of observation in the extreme front during the after- 
noon. 

About 6 P. AI., by order of Brigadier-General Grover, 
commanding the division, the brigade was formed in line to 
the right of our i)osition in a corn field, and pickets thrown 



■62 MALVERN HILL. 

out to the right and front several hundred yards. We re- 
mained in this position until after dark the next day, (Aug- 
ust 6), having seen no enemy meanwhile, and my pickets 
having been joined in the night by those under Brigadier 
General Abercrombie. 

A little after dark, under orders from Brigadier General 
Grover, commanding division, the regiments were ordered 
to be ready to move at a moment's notice, and the line was 
moved to the right about 100 yards. 

The Second Regiment was moved to the advanced picket 
line on the extreme right, and ordered to hold it at all hazards. 
In a few hours, under orders from General Hooker, the Sec- 
ond Regiment and my pickets were called in, and the brigade 
was put in march toward this camp about eleven P. M., as 
a support to De Russy's and Bramhall's batteries, where it 
arrived, without any further occurrences, about daylight on 
the morning of the 7th. 

I am happy to be able to report no casualties in the bri- 
gade. By the rapidity of the march the first night after 
leaving camp there was some straggling, scarcely avoidable, 
but no men are reported to me as missing. 

I am, respectfully your obedient servant, 
Nelson Tayloe, 

Colonel Commanding. 

Captain Hibbard, 

Ass't. Adjt. Gen. First Brigade, Hooker's Division. 
O. W. R. Vol. XI, Part II, P. 952. 



Charles K. Irwix, born Colborne, Ontario, July 8th, 
1824. Practiced dentistry at Oshawa, Ontario, for several 
years dnring which time he stndied medicine. Took the 
course of study at the Rolph School of Medicine at Toronto, 
Ontario. Graduated from the medical college at Albany, 
New York, June, 185G. Settled in Dunkirk, New York, and 
began the practice of medicine. When the Third Regiment 
was organized Doctor Irwin was made Surgeon, and was 
the only one of the original field officers who served with the 
regiment during its entire service. He performed the duties 
of Brigade Surgeon for some time; also acted as Surgeon-in- 
Chief of the Second Division, Third Army Cor})s. No man 
was more closely identified with the service of the Third Reg- 
iment than Surgeon Irwin. He was discharged with the 
regiment in June, 1864, and resumed the practice of medi- 
cine at Dunkirk, New York, where he died June 27th, 18()(). 



CHAPTER VII. 

Beistoe Station, Groveton, Second Bull Run. 
August, 1862. 

Orders were received to break camp at Harrison's Land- 
ing on August 11th. At six A. M., August 15th the Third 
Corps started down the peninsula. Reached Yorktown on 
the 21st, and with five other regiments, embarked on the 
ocean steamer Vanderbilt for Alexandria. The steamer left 
Yorktown at nine A. M. on the 22d, ran onto a sand bar at 
the mouth of the York River, got off at high tide and ran up 
to the mouth of the Potomac; started at daylight on the 
23rd, and ran up the Potomac to Acquia Creek. Left 
there at midnight on the 24th, reaching Alexandria at noon. 
Disembarked at three P. M.. marched out to Shuter's Hill 
and camped for the night. 

At six P. M. on the 25th the regiment boarded the cars 
and reached Warrenton Junction about midnight, going 
into camp about one mile south of the station. 

Headquarters Army of Virginia. 
Warrenton Junction, August 26th, 1862, 8:20 P. M. 
Major General Heintzelman, 

Commanding, &c.: 
Tlie major-general commanding the Army of Virginia di- 
rects me to send you the enclosed communication, and to 
request that you put a regiment on a train of cars and send 
it down immediately to Manassas, to ascertain what has 



BRISTOE STATION. 65 

occurred, repair the telegraph wires and jjrotect the raih-oad 
there, till further orders. 

With great respect, Genei-al, vour obedieui Servant, 
T. C. H. Smith, 
Lieutenant Colonel and Aide-de-Canip . 
0. W. R. Vol. XII, Part II, P. 70. 

The Third Regiment was selected for this duty, and after 
some delay, boarded the train and started toward JManas- 
sas. A strong force of the enemy was found at Bristoe 
Station, destroying the trains, tracks and bridges across 
Broad Run. Returned to Warrenton Junction about five A. 
M., August 27th, and found the whole army moving toward 
Washington. The Regiment having,by order, leftcamp with 
only their guns and equipments, and not returning to camp, 
lost everything. About 4 P. M. tlie brigade became engag- 
ed in a hot fight at Bristoe Station. A charge was made, 
driving the rebels from their position. 

HEADQUARTEKS THIRD REGIMENT, 

Camp in the field, near Manassas Junction, 
August 28th, 1862. 
In pursuance to orders received from brigade headquart- 
ers at ten o'clock P. ^I., August 26th, 1862, directing me to 
proceed at once with my command to Manassas, to ascertain 
what has occurred, rejiair the telegraph wirep, and protect 
the railroad there until further orders, I immediately moved 
to Warrenton Junction, where I was disappointed in finding- 
no transportation ready. Colonel T. C. H. Smith, Aide-de- 
camp to General Pope ordered me to proceed by the wagon 
road, but subsequently transportation was obtained. I 
moved my command from Warrenton Junction at two A. 
M. the 27th of August, to Catlett's Station, ])er order of 



66 BRISTOE STATION. 

Colonel Smith. I called upon Colonel Pierce to approve an 
order for a small detachment of cavalry from Kettle Run. 
Colonel Pierce informed me that some of his command were 
at the Run. I subsequently felt the want of a few cavalry- 
men very much. 

I moved with all the dispatch possible to within half a 
mile of Bristoe. I moved the last mile with a company 
thrown forward as skirmishers and flankers. I found an 
intercepted train burning and the telegraph destroyed. Dis- 
covering the enem}^ still in the possession of the station, I 
ordered the regiment into line, advanced skirmishers and 
went to the front myself to observe the position they had 
chosen, their strength, etc. My own observation, confirmed 
by skirmishers, soon satisfied me that they were in force. It 
w^as just before daylight, but the reflection from the burning 
cars enabled me from my position to see all their movements. 
I distinctly heard the commands as they rapidly formed 
their lines. I saw one column file to the left, and had no 
doubt their purpose was to flank us and cut off my train at 
Kettle Run Bridge. I saw a body of cavalry move along 
the right of the road for the same purpose. I called Adjutant 
Hinman to my position, to confirm my opinion and to profit 
by his judgment. I realized my responsibility and the want of 
experience. My pride urged me to accept the honor of lead- 
ing the gallant Third into battle, but my judgment rebelled 
against this desire to use the accident of my temporar}^ com- 
mand to lead the regiment on the field, — and I reluctantly 
gave the order to embark again. 1 moved back to Kettle 
Run, where I established pickets at all commanding positions 
to watch and report the movements of the enemy. I in- 
structed the telegraph operator attached to my command 
to try and open communication with Warren ton Junction, 
I handed him the following dispatch: — 



BRISTOE STATION. 67 

Colonel T. C. H. Smith, 

Aid-de-Camp to General Pope. 

Have proceeded to near Bristoe Station. Find a train 
of cars burning and telegraph wires broken, and enemy in 
very heavy force. Do not deem it prudent to go on without 
further orders. Have conductor of burned train witli me, 
who reports there being a hirge force of the enem}'. Have 
returned to this side of Kettle Kun Bridge. 

I ordered three companies into position at the bridge 
with instructions to hold it at all hazards, keeping the bal. 
ance of my command in reserve three hundred yards below 
the bridge. I personally examined the bridge with reference 
to holding it. I found it had no natural advantages for 
defense, in fact, they were all against us. The rebel skirmish- 
ers were rapidly advancing on both sides of the road, fol- 
lowed by a large force, all in plain view. I had seen the 
cavalry on the right, and the infantry movement on our 
left for three fpiarters of an hour. All the reply the telegraph 
operator could get was, "wait a little." Icould not consent to 
the useless sacrifice of my brave three hundred men. I ordered 
the three companies at the bridge to move back, which they 
did in perfect order, under the fire of theenemy's skirmishers. 
I waited for the str^igglers and the last of two companies of 
the One Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania, there on picket. 
Three of the men were so closely followed that they were 
taken prisoners. 

I had only ordered the engineer to move back, when the 
enemy unmasked a field piece the}' had brought down there 
near the bridge on the track, covered by a column of troops. 
The first two shots ricochetted within twenty or thirty 
yards from the engine. I joined the brigade at five A. M. 
with the whole of w\\ command, and reported. 



68 BRISTOE STATION. 

I submit that I did the best my judgment seemed to re- 
require, I confess, at a great sacrifice to my pride. I trust 
subsequent events satisfy you that I did all duty required. 
The regiment behaved in its usual praiseworthy manner, and 
I enjoyed the full co-operation of all the officers. I must 
speak especially of the valuable assistance rendered me by 
Adjutant H. C. Hinman. 

All of which is respectfully submitted, 

H. J. Bliss, 
Captain Commanding Regiment. 
CoL. Nelson Taylok, 

Commanding' Second Brigade, Hooker's Division. 
0. W. R. Vol. XII, Part. II, P. 450. 

Headquarters Third Regiment, 
Camp near Spring Hill, September 6th, 1862. 
I have the honor to report that the Third Excelsior, of 
your brigade, under my command, on the 29th of August, 
took the position assigned on the right of the brigade line, 
and advanced into the timber, where a portion of our forces 
were already engaged with the enemy. My instructions were 
to halt behind the line engaged, and when their ammuni- 
tion was exhausted, take their place. I advanced skirmishers 
covering my whole front to this line, and dressed my regi- 
ment accurately on the brigade line. Our position was 
hardly taken, when the line of troops in our front, belonging 
to regiments never before under fire, gave way under a dash- 
ing attempt of the enem}^ to turn the left of our line. Gradu- 
ally the left gave way, struggling hand-to-hand for life and 
their colors, until the line was broken up to the left of my 
command, rendered almost powerless by the influence and 
presence of the disorganized troops breaking through my 
line, and preventing m^^ firing until the enemy were actually 
in our ranks in overpowering numbers. We fell back threa 



BRISTOE STATION. 69 

hundred j^ards to the edge of the timber, and again formed a 
line and advanced skirmishers for ward to the line we had just 
left. The enemy had also fallen back, and seemed unwilling 
to improve his temporary advantage. By order, I again 
withdrew my skirmishers, and subsequently took position 
for the night with the brigade. 

In my commandseven were missing, and eleven wounded. 
Among the wounded is Lieutenant Clark. 

I have further to report that on the 30th my command 
was engaged, under your orders, in supporting different bat 
teries, and in taking different positions, preparatory to en- 
gaging the enemy. We were at no time actually engaged, 
but were almost constantly under fire from shot and shell. 
None in my command were injured. 

The same officers are deserving of mention as in my 
report of August 27th, except Lieutenant Howard, who was 
absent. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

H. J. Bliss, 
Captain, Conunnnding the Regiment 
CoL. Nelson Taylor, 

Commanding Second Brigade, Hooker\s Division. 
0. W. R. Vol. XII, Part II, P. 451. 

Hdqrs. Second Brigade, Hooker's Division. 
Camp near Fort Lyon, Va., 

September 8th, 1862. 
Captain: 

I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
movements and services rendered by the brigade from the 
26th ultimo to the third instant inclusive: 

At about 10 P. M. of the 2Gth ultimo I received an order 



70 BRISTOE STATION. 

from Majoi- General Hooker to send one regiment along the 
railroad from Warrenton Junction toward Manassas June" 
tion (the brigade being then encamped near Warrenton 
Junction), to ascertain what had occurred, rejoin the tele- 
graph lines, and protect the railroad there till further orders. 
This order was complied with on my part by sending the 
Third Excelsior Regiment, commanded by Captain H. J. 
Bliss, on this important expedition. For the manner in 
which the instructions to Capt. Bliss were executed, I most 
respectfully refer to his report, hereunto appended. 

Early on the following morning the brigade was ordered 
to take its place in column and proceed toward Manassas 
Junction. On arriving near Broad Run some of the enemy's 
outposts were discovered, when lines were deployed, skir- 
mishers thrown forward, and all the precautions taken 
usual to be prepared for an attack or defense; the First Bri- 
gade being on the right of the railroad deployed, the Third 
and Second on the left, the Third deployed, and the Second 
marching by the right flank immediately behind the left of 
the line formed by two regiments of the Third Brigade, un- 
der command of Colonel Carr. Coming to a piece of woods 
running across the railroad, the First Brigade was halted, 
and the Third and Second continued to advance. As the 
line of Colonel Carr cleared the woods he came in contact 
with the enemy's skirmishers, which he at once drove in, 
and advanced in double quick to the middle of the field, and 
at once engaged the enemy's infantry, drawn up in line in a 
skirt of woods immediately in front. Finding no enemy on 
the left, and that the line of Colonel Carr was exposed to a 
very extended and concentrated fire, I at once brought for- 
ward the Second, Fourth and Fifth Regiments of the bri- 
gade and placed them in position on the left of the line 
formed bv Colonel Carr. 



HRISTOE STATION. 71 

While doing this I observed a column of the enemy's in- 
antry file down the hill in frontand take a position parallel to 
and on the right of the railroad, and to the rear of the line 
formed b}' a portion of the Third Brigade, and three regi- 
ments of the Second. This gave them an infilading fire, and 
will account for the large loss of officers. To relieve the line 
from this destructive fire, I changed the front of the two 
regiments (First and Third), then forming a second line, and 
advanced it toward the railroad (I will remark that the 
track of the railroad was at this ])lace so graded as to form 
an excellent cover for the enemv), halted it within short 
musket-range, and commenced firing. At this time our lines 
were exposed to the concentrated fire of two sections of the 
enemy's artillery, besides their musketry'. To relieve the in- 
fantry from the fire of the enemy's artillery, I rode to the 
rear to bring forward (me of om* own batteries. Meeting 
(ieneral Grover, I explained matters to him, when he told 
me I might order up the Second New Hampshire Volunteers 
to sup})ort the battery. Finding the commandant of an un- 
occupied battery, I informed him of what I desired. He very 
reluctantly consented, and was so slow in his movements 
that when he got his battery in position the necessity of his 
services had ceased. The line which 1 had formed parallel to 
and facing the railroad, after firing for a time, advanced up 
to and drove the enemy from that position, when the enemy 
gave way and retreated toward Manassas Junction. 

The loss in this short but sharp engagement to tliis bri- 
gade was considerable in proportion to its numbers, being 
about one in three. Having disposed of the killed and 
wounded, the brigade line was formed on the right of the 
railroad, and, by order of General Grover, held in i-eserve, 
while the other brigades continued to advance. The brigade 
remained but a short time, when it was ordered forward a 



72 SECOND BULL RUN. 

short distance, when it was ordered to the left of the rail- 
road, and forded Broad Run, where it bivouacked that night 
in line. 

The next morning (28th) we resumed our march and 
passed Manassas Junction, and bivouacked on the south 
bank of Bull Run. 

The next morning (29th)the march was resumed, pass- 
ing through Centerville. We arrived on the battle ground 
about 2 P. M. Here the brigade was halted for a short 
time, when it was ordered forward again about half a mile, 
when it was again halted. We remained here for some time, 
when we were ordered to support a battery; but before the 
brigade was got in position the order was changed, and I 
was directed by Major General Hooker to advance in line 
through a piece of woods, which seemed to be in the center 
of the enemy's position, to relieve the Third Brigade of the 
division, in command of Colonel Carr. On learning from 
Colonel Carr the condition of things in front, I advanced the 
brigade to within about fifteen paces of the line occupied by 
the line wdiich I had to relieve, when I halted and dressed it 
and sent skirmishers forward. 

Having everything in readiness, I gave the orders to ad- 
vance. The line had advanced but a few steps when the left 
was struck with such violence by a regiment (which con- 
tinued the line to the left) which had broken, that the Second 
Excelsior Regiment, which was on the left of the brigade 
line, was almost carried away with it. Seeing the confus- 
ion, I rode hastily to this part of the line, accompanied by 
my two aides. Lieutenants Tremaine and Dwight, and en- 
deavored to stay this disgraceful retreat; but it was in vain; 
the tide could not be stemmed. On they rushed over and 
through my line, perfectly panic-stricken, breaking and car- 
rying away with them the left of my line. The enemy seeing 



SECOND BULL RUN. 73 

this, charged after them, I then endeavored to throw back 
my line to give the enemy a flank fire. This I found on trial, 
impracticable, the wood being too dense to execute the 
movement. By this time the enemy had availed themselves 
of the large interval opened on my left, and poured through 
in large numbers, and had got 50 or 60 paces in my rear, 
giving the line an enfilading and reverse fire. They, how- 
ever, soon ceased firing, as they were so mixed up as to en- 
danger their own men; they then commenced taking prison- 
ers. Finding my line completely flanked and turned, and in 
danger of being entirely cut off, I gave the order to fall back, 
which was done in as good shape as could be, situated as 
we w^ere. The loss on this occasion was not as large as I 
had reason to apprehend, yet it was considerable. 

It w^as on this occasion that my two aides, Lieutenants 
Tremaine and Dwight, were taken prisoners, endeavoring to 
overcome the disorder and confusion occasioned by the 
stampede of the troops on my left. After extricating the 
brigade from its entanglement I reformed the line and im- 
mediately sent forward upon the line which we had occupied 
skirmishers, and followed them in myself, and remained 
there till a regiment from General Kearny's division came 
and took position on the line, and engaged the enemy. I 
then withdrew the skirmishers and fell back to my own line, 
w^hen I was ordered by Major General Hooker to a position 
in an open field in rear of the Third Brigade, where the bri- 
gade bivouacked for the night. 

The next afternoon (August 30th) the brigade was or- 
dered under ai-ms, and to be held in readiness to march in 
pursuit of the retreating enemy. Subsequently the brigade 
was marched in the direction of Centerville, and ordered to 
support a battery on the left of our line. Soon aftei" it was 
ordered to follow the Third Brigade, which it did, and ar- 



74 SECOND BULL RUN. 

rived in tlie night at Centerville, where it remained until the 
afternoon of the 1st instant, when it was ordered to take 
the road toward Fairfax Court House. The eohimn had 
not proceeded far on the road when heavy firing was heard 
on our left. The column was halted, and soon after the bri- 
gade was ordered to cross the road and form line, which it 
did, and was soon after, by Brigadier-General Grover, or- 
dered to advance and support the division of General 
Kearny. The brigade remained in line during the night in 
rear of General Kearny's division, and resumed its march 
about 2:30 A. M. toward Fairfax Court House, where it ar- 
rived about 8 A. M. At 11:30 A. M. the march was again 
resumed toward Alexandria, and the brigade, with the divi- 
sion, bivouacked about two miles east of Fairfax Station. 
The next morning (September 3) the march was again re- 
sumed and continued until the division arrived at this place, 
where it encamped. 

In closing this report I shall avail myself of the oppor- 
tunity to express m}^ admiration of Captain H. J. Bliss, of 
the Third Excelsior Regiment, both for the manner in which 
he executed the service on which he was ordered on the night 
of the 26th, and his gallant conduct on the field. # * « * 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
Nelson Taylor; 

Brigadier General Commanding. 
To the Assistant Adjutant-General, 

Hooker's Division, Third Army Corps. 
0. W. R. Vol. Xn, Part H, P. 443: 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Alexandkia, March to Fredericksburg. 
September, October, November, 1862. 

The Third Army Corps did not take })nrt in the Antie- 
tam campaign, its losses having been so great on the Penin- 
suLa and Second Bull Run campaign that it was left in front 
of Washington to rest and recruit, going into camp near 
Alexandria vSeptember 4th. 

Colonel Nelson Taylor having been promoted to Briga- 
dier-General, and Lieutenant Colonel Israel ]\Ioses having re- 
signed, the following promotions were made to the field and 
staff of the regiment: 

Major William 0, Stevens was made Colonel. 

Captain John S. Austin of Company K, Lieutenant- 
Colonel. 

Captain John Leonard, of Company F, Major. 

September 20th, 112 recruits joined the regiment. 

Mention should have been made under the proper dates, 
of the gallant conduct of Sergeant .John H. Haight, of Com- 
pany "G," but the writer was not in possession of the facts 
until too late to do so. The following letter, which was 
read on the coloi- line at dress parade, tells the story : 

Camp Third Excelsior, near Fort Lyon, Va. 
September SOth, 1802. 
Major: 

I would respectfully recommend the promotion of Cor- 
poral John H. Haight of Co. "G" to be a Sergeant. His 



76 ALEXANDRIA, 

promotion to date from July 28rd, 1862. I recommend 
him for gallant conduct on the battlefield of Williamsburg, 
where he was wounded, and for his bravery in the engage- 
ment of August 27th, at Bristoe Station, and also for like 
conduct in the actions of August 29th and 30th at Manassas 
or Bull Run. 

Very respectfully, 
H. J. Bliss, 
Approved, Captain Commanding Co- 

William 0. Stevens, 

Major Commanding Reg' t. 

Hdqrs. Defences of Washington, South of the Potomac, 

Arlington, Fa., October 21st, 1862. 
Colonel: 

I have the honor to make the following report of the 
operations of the Third Army Corps immediately previous 
to and in the recent battles in the vicinity of Centerville. * * 

In the encounters with the enemy at Bristoe Station 
General Hooker's division suffered severel}^, and again on 
the 29th of August; also General Kearny's on the afternoon 
of the 1st of September near Chantilly. * * * * 

General Hooker's division had above 10,000 men when 
it landed near Yorktown last April, and after the battle of 
Fair Oaks, was re-enforced by about 3,000 men. At Fair- 
fax Station it drew rations for 2,400 men. General Kear- 
ny's division suffered as much. * * * * 

Although we were driven back and finally to the de- 
fenses of W^ashington, I do not feel that the gallant veterans 
of the Third Corps have lost any of their well-earned reputa- 
tion from the battles on the Peninsula. * * * * 

In General Hooker's division T have no report of the 
losses of the Second Brigade, nor is there any report of the 



ALEXANDRIA. 77 

losses of General Kearny's division at Chantilly. Imperfect 
as the}' are, they sum uj) an a^igregate of 1,491 . * * * 
All of which is respectfully submitted, 
S. P. Heintzelman, 

Major General Commanding. 
CoL. Geokge D. Rlggles, 

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of Virginia. 
0. ^Y. R., Vol. XII, Part II, P. 415. 

Gen'l Orders\ Headquarters Third Regiment, 

No. IS), f Camp near Alexandria, 

October 21, 1862. 

Regimental line will be formed at 10:30 A. M. tomorrow, 

the arms will be stacked on the Color Line and ranks 

broken. Dinner will be at 11, precisely, the line be i-e-formed 

twenty minutes before twelve. 

Commandants of Companies will see that every man ap- 
pears in white gloves. 

W. 0. Stevens, 
S. Bailey, Col. Commdg. Regt. 

Act. Adjt. 

The foregoing order was issued in preparation for a re- 
view of the division the following day. 

This review was taken by President Lincoln, accom- 
panied by the Secretary of War and others, and was the 
most brilliant one in which the regiment participated dur- 
ing its entire service. The day was perfect, the air being 
clear and bracing. 

It was a division of seasoned veterans that marched be- 
fore the President, men who had passed through two se- 
vere campaigns within six months, and it was with sol- 
dierly pride that they nmrched past the reviewing stand in 
well alligned ranks under the kindly eye of their Comman- 
der-in-Chief. 



78 ALEXANDRIA. 

General Sickles has kindly permitted the use of the fol- 
lowing extract from his Memoirs, which is a fine description 
of the day. 

"In the autumn of '62, shortly before the Campaign of 
Antietam, I had been assigned to the command of Hooker's 
division in the Third Army Corps. We were in camp near 
Fairfax Seminary and formed a part of the troops embraced 
in the Department commanded by Gen'l Heintzelman. I had 
reorganized this famous division, recalled most of the men 
absent on sick leave, or in the Convalescent Camp, including 
those who had recovered from slight wounds, and had be- 
sides received a good many recruits, so that my division 
numbered more than eight thousand infantry. 

General Banks, then in command of the "Defences of 
Washington," expressed a desire to see the troops which 
had gained so much fame under the brilliant lead of Hooker, 
and I at once designated a day for the review. As I was 
very strong in artillery and trains, it occurred to me that if 
I could borrow a few squadrons of cavaliy for the occasion, 
my command would be a fair counterpart in numbers and 
equipment to the army of General Scott, that marched from 
Vera Cruz and captured Mexico in '46-7. This took me to 
Heintzelman's headquarters, who kindly placed the cavalry 
at my disposal and at the same time intimated that he would 
be present. As he ranked Banks, of course the honors of the 
review would be paid to him; but on the following day I 
received a message from President Lincoln that he would 
like to see my new command before we marched to join the 
Army of General McClellan. This announcement, as it 
brought the Commander-in-Chief to the field, superseded in 
turn both Heintzelman and Banks. 

I at once arranged with General Slough, commanding 
at Alexandria, to receive the President at that post on his 



ALEXANDRIA. 79 

arrival by steamer from Washington. A large number of 
supernumerary officers were attached to that station, and 
of those about a hundred were mounted and ecjuipped as an 
escort, besides a. regiment of infantry and a battery I sent 
from my camp. 

The President came down in his quiet way, accom- 
panied by General Cadwallader and a servant, nnd was not 
a little surprised in mounting the horse provided for him, 
richly caparisoned in the trappings of a General Officer, to 
see himself surrounded by the staff of an Emperor at the 
head of a Grand Army; turning to me, as the artillery fired 
the salute, he exclaimed : 

"Sickles, I am not going to take command of the Army, 
what is all this for?" 

The column was formed and we proceeded on the march 
to my cam J), a few miles off. A good many spectators gath- 
ered on the road-side, — not one of whom knew the Presi- 
dent, — and at length an old farmer said to his neighbor as 
we passed: — 

"I guess from the looks of that tall chap and all this 
fuss, that the 'Yanks' have captured a big prisoner, — who 
can it be?" 

"That's so," said the President, smiling, "I'm Jeff Davis"! 

The review was brilliant. The day was all tliat could 
be wished. Thousands of bayonets glittered in thesun,long 
lines of trains covering the plain in the rear of the troops, — 
artillery and cavalry on the flanks. When the President 
rode from the right to the left of the line it was a study to 
watch the faces of the men as they saw his awkward figure in 
the saddle, — but if a smile played on their lips there was love 
in their eyes, as they rested on that sad, eai-nest, good face 
most of them beheld for the first and last time. When the 



80 ALEXANDRIA. 

ceremonies were over I asked the President to say a few- 
words to the troops. He replied: — 

"No I am not a soldier. These men are ^oing again to 
battle, where I cannot be with them. I could only say, 
'God bless them.' " 

Calling me back, he added, "Tell them I think I have 
never seen a better show." 

The Second Division began an advance on November 1st, 
opening up the Orange and Alexandria railroad, re-building 
bridges, repairing the tracks and guarding the road as far 
as Warrenton Junction for the purpose of getting supplies 
to the Army of the Potomac, then on its way from Antie- 
tam, Maryland, to Fredericksburg, Virginia. The first Di- 
vision, which had been doing duty above Washington joined 
the Second Division near Warrenton Junction. 

General Orders\ Headquarters Third Corps, 

No. 1. j Army of the Potomac, 

November 16th, 1862. 
1. By virtue of General orders No. 184, paragraph IV, 
dated Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, near War- 
renton, Va., November 14th, 1862, the undersigned hereby 
takes command of the Third Corps, Army of the Potomac. 

George Stoneman, 
Brigadier General of Volunteers, Commanding Corps. 
0. W. K. Vol. 107, P. 946. 

The arm}^ having passed, the corps fell back toward 
Washington on the 18th, destroying the railroad as much 
as possible. Keached Fairfax Station on the 20th, and on 
the 21st turned south toward Fredericksburg. Stopped 
four days at Wolf Run Shoals, and went into camp near 
Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg, November 28th. 



4k ^^ 


V, -- 


i^^^^Hb 





Levi Warren Norton, born Attica, N. Y. October 
17, 1819. Graduated at Union College, 1843, and at the 
General Theological Seminary, (Protestant Episcopal) New 
York, 1846. Ordained July 21st, 1847. Rector in Water- 
town and Jamestown, N. Y,, and Metuchen and Rahway, 
New Jersey. 

Mustered Chaplain 72nd Regiment, N.Y.V. July 24th, 
1861. Served with his regiment at various places in Mary- 
land, Was sent home sick with typhoid fever, and later re- 
turned to his regiment, but on account of continued ill health 
was obliged to resign. Mustered out April 20, 1862, and 
returned to Jamestown, N. Y. 

In 1892 on account of impaired health he gave up the 
active work of his ministry, and returned to Jamestown, N. 
Y. He died while on a pleasure trip at Kemus Point, N. Y., 
August 23, 1900. His remains rest in Lake View Cemetery, 
Jamestown, N. Y. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Fredericksburg, Winter Quarters, 
December, 1862, April, 1863. 

Remained quietly in camp till December 11th, when the 
Battle of Fredericksburg began, the First and Second divi- 
sions of the Third Corps acting as "Grand Reserve" for the 
army. The brigade left camp about 7 A. M,, joined the divi- 
sion and took position near the Phillips House. Early on 
the morning of the 12th the division was ordered forward 
and halted near General Sumner's headquarters, remaining 
there till 4 P. M., when, with the First Division it marched 
down the river four miles to Franklin's Crossing, to support 
the left wing of the army. 

The First Division crossed the Rappahannock at noon 
on the 13th, the Second Division following at 2 P. M., pro- 
ceeded to the front, and at once formed in line of battle. A 
heavy skirmish line was thrown out, which immediately be- 
came engaged with the enemy. There was a good deal of 
skirmish firing early on the 14th, but later, an agreement 
was made with the enemy to stop the picket firing on our 
front. The stretcher bearers were not molested after this, 
although at work between the lines picking up the wounded 
and caring for the dead. No firing took place on our front on 
the 15th, and at 5 P. M., after holding the enemy in check, and 
having been 50 hours in line of battle the brigade was re- 
lieved, moved back into the road and bivouacked in line. 
About 10 P. M, the division began crossing the Rappahan- 
nock and bivouacked in line on the north side. On the 16th 
the troops returned to their old camps and settled down for 
the winter. 



WINTER QUARTERS. 83 

Rev. William R, Eastman was appointed Chaplain, Jan- 
uary 1st, 1863, to succeed Chaplain Levi W. Norton, who 
resigned in April, 1862. 

Mud Makch. 

January 20tli the corps broke camp and proceeded up 
the Rappahannock to Bank's Ford, bivouacked for the 
night, and remained in the same position the next day, 
waiting for the pontoons, which were delayed by the bad 
roads. 

January 23rd, the pontoons being still delayed by the 
muddy roads, the troops received orders to march back to 
the old camp, where they arrived that night. 
0. W. R., Vol. 21, P. 754. 

The brigade was formed January 20th, and marched 
about two miles, when a halt was ordered, to permit Frank- 
lin's Grand Division to pass. Returned to the old camp in 
the evening in a heavy rain, which continued all night. 

Marched about eight miles on the 21st and bivouacked 
in the woods. Rained all day and night. The brigade was 
at work on the afternoon of the 22nd and forenoon of the 
23d, building corduro}' roads to enable the artillery and 
wagon trains to move. Returned to the old camp near Fal- 
mouth in the afternoon. 

Special Orders\ Huqks. Army of the Potomac, 

No. S6. j Camp neur Falmouth, Va., 

February Ctth, 1863. 
1. Brig. Gen. H. G. Berry is assigned to the command 
of the Second Division, Third Corps, and will report accord- 
ingly. By command of 

Major General Hooker. 
Joseph Dickenson, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 
0. W. R., Vol. XXV, Part 11, P. 52. 



84 WINTER QUARTERS. 

February 5th the division was sent out to support a 
cavalry reconnoisanee, advancing about thirteen miles up 
the Rappahannock. It snov^^ed nearly all day, changing 
into heavy rain about 3 P. M., which continued all night. 
Advanced about three miles on the 6th, going into camp 
near Deep Run Ford. 

Orders were received about 8 P. M. to return to camp. 
Marched about seven miles and encamped for the night. 
Weather clear and very cold. Marched at 8 A. M. on the 
7th, reaching camp at 4 P. M. 

Target Practice. 

General Orders\ Headquarters Third Regiment, 

No. 9. / Camp Nelson Taylor, Feb. 9th, 1863. 

On the 3rd day of March next the following prizes will 
be given by the Colonel commd'g, to the three enlisted men 
in the regiment who shall make the best three shots, at a 
trial which will commence at 10 o'clock A. M. of that day. 

Viz : To the non-commissioned officer or private who 
shall make the three best shots, |25. 

To the non-commissioned officer or private who shall 
make the second best shot, |15. 

To the non-commissioned officer or private who shall 
make the third best shot, |10. 

The distance will be two hundred (200) yards and the 
size of target, six (6) feet by twenty-two (22) inches. Each 
man to use his own musket. * * * * 
By command of 

William 0. Stevens, 
J.A.Smith, Col. Commanding Regt. 

Adjutant. 



WINTER QUARTERS. 85 

Colonel W. 0. Stevens, 

Commanding Third Regt., E. B.: 
Sir: — The umpires appointed to award three prizes for 
the best strings of shots fired at a target placed at the dis- 
tance of 200 yards, would respectfully report : 

That the number of competitors was 98. That 296 
shots were fired, of which 76 struck the target (size 6 feet by 
22 inches), and 22 struck within 10 inches of the centre. * * * 
The umpires award the three (3) prizes as follows: 
The 1st prize to Priv. John Bourne, Co. "D," No. (55). 
The 2d prize to Priv. Horace Wilcox, Co. ''E,"No. (71). 
The 3d prize to Priv. E. F. Merrill, Co. "1," No. (75). 
We have the honor. Colonel, to be. 

Your most obt. servants, 
W\ R. Eastman, Chaplain Third Excelsior, 
J. B, O'Hagan, Chaplain Fourth Excelsior, 
J. H. TwiTCHELL, Chaplain Second Excelsior. 
Camp Nelson Taylor, March 5th, 1863. 

General Sickles came to look on and tried a shot. 

General Orders\ Headquarters Third Corps, 

No. 1. j Army of the Potomac, 

Boscobel, February 12th, 1863. 
In obedience to General Orders No. 6, paragraph I, head- 
quarters Army of the Potomac, current series, the under- 
signed assumes command of the Third Army Cor])s. 

I). E. Sickles, 
Brigadier General Commanding Third Corps. 
0. W. R., Vol. 107, P. 987. 

February 22nd the regiment went on picket in a heavy 
snow-storm, going about six miles up the Rappahannock to 
the extreme right. There were eight inches of snow next 
morning. 



86 WINTER QUARTERS. 

Circular. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

March 21st, 1863. 

For the purpose of ready recognition of corps and divi- 
sions in this army, and to prevent injustice by reports of 
straggling and misconduct through mistakes as to its or- 
ganization, t'he chief quartermaster will furnish without de- 
lay, the following badges, to be worn by the officers and en- 
listed men of all the regiments of the various corps men- 
tioned. They will be securely fastened upon the center of the 
top of the cap. 

Inspecting officers will at all inspections see that these 
badges are worn as designated. 

First Corps, a sphere. First Division, red. Second 
Division, white. Third Division, blue. 

Second Corps, trefoil. First Division, red. Second Divi- 
sion, white. Third Division, blue. 

Third Corps, losenge. First Division, red. Second Divi- 
sion, white. Third Division, blue. 

Fifth Corps, Maltese cross. First Division, red. Second 
Division, white. Third Division, blue. 

Sixth Corps, cross. First Division, red. Second Divi- 
sion, white. Third Division, blue. (Light Division, green.) 

Eleventh Corps, crescent. First Division, red. Second 
Division, white. Third Division, blue. 

Twelfth Corps, star. First Division, red. Second Divi- 
sion, white. Third Division, blue. 

The size and color will be according to the pattern. 

By command of Major General Hooker. 
S. Williams, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 
O. W. R. Vol. 40, P. 152. 

A beautiful silk National Flag from the city of New York 
was presented to the regiment April 7th. 




FIRST REGIMENTAL FLAG. 



WINTER QUARTERS. 87 

Five corps of the Array of tlie Potoraac were reviewed 
by President Lineolii and General Hooker April 8th. 

On the previous day 100 picked men of the Third Regi- 
ment, under Captain Mann, were detailed as guard at corps 
headquarters during the President's visit. 

The Corps turned out without arms April 10th, to sa- 
lute President Lincoln. 



CHAPTER X. 

Chancellorsville. 
May, 1863. 

Orders were received on April 28tli to be ready to march 
at an hour's notice. 

The Third Corps left camp about 5 P. M., marched four 
miles down the Rappahannock, and took position near 
Franklin's Crossing, to support the First and Sixth Corps. 

The Third Corps received orders on the 30th to move to 
the right and join the main army. Started at 1 P. M.> 
marched twelve miles up the river and bivouacked for the 
night. Marched at 6 A. M. May 1st, crossing the Rappa- 
hannock at United States Ford about noon, and proceeded 
to the front at Chancellorsville. The Second Division under 
Major General Hiram G. Berry, lay in reserve near army 
headquarters till 5 P. M. May 2d, when, leaving knapsacks, 
which were never recovered, it was ordered up the plank 
road on the double quick, and formed in line of battle in the 
woods in rear of the Eleventh Corps, which had been sur- 
prised and was falling back in bad order. Many of the men 
of the Eleventh Corps formed in line and remained with the 
Third Corps till morning. This double quick march was 
made in the face of artillery trains, wagon trains, and 
proves of cattle going to the rear on the run, the division 
being forced out of the road. An attempt was made during 
the night to break our lines, but the enemy were repulsed 
without trouble. First Lieutenant Michael Cooke and Pri- 



CHANCELLORSVILLE, 89 

vate Fred Bock, of Company E, advanced some distance in 
the woods and obtained valuable information regarding the 
enemy's position and numbers. 

Confederate General Stonewall Jackson was mortally 
wounded during the night in front of the brigade. 

Skirmishing began at daylight, May 8rd, and soon be- 
came a general engagement. About 8 A. M. the rebels broke 
the line to the left of the Excelsior Brigade, and doubled up 
everything in that line of battle. Colonel Stevens had just 
given the command, "Change front to rear on first com- 
pany ! Boys, follow me ! " turned partly around to lead his 
men, when a ball struck him in the left breast and passed 
entirely through his body. Pressing his hand to his breast, 
he exclaimed, "0, God!" and fell. Lieutenant Yates was 
within a few feet of him and immediately stopped to speak 
to him. He was unconscious. He subsequently spoke to 
Captain Bailey. Captain Bailey and Captain Bliss came to 
his assistance, but were unable to bring him off. Captain 
Bliss being mortally wounded and captured in the attempt. 
Colonel Stevens was left where he fell, was taken prisoner 
and moved by the enemy to a house about one mile to Uieir 
rear. Corporal George Tate, of Company D, was severely 
wounded in the head, and left unconscious on the field. He 
was also taken to this house, and, regaining consciousness 
after a time, discovered the presence of Colonel Stevens, did 
all hacould to relieve the Colonel's suffering, and was with 
him when he died, about 8 P. M., May 4th. Corporal Tate, 
with others, buried the Colonel's body, and marked the 
grave for identification. 

The enemy made several desperate attempts to captui% 
the flag of the Third Regiment, but without success. The 
color bearer. Sergeant Thomas W. Auldridge, of Company 
K, finding himself nearly surrounded, tore the flag from the 



90 CHANCELLORSVILLE. 

staff, and sticking it inside his blouse, reached the rear with 
it in safety. 

Sergeant James Anderson, of Company F. who was be- 
hind the colors picked up the staff, and getting safely out of 
the woods with it, the flag was again attached to the staff, 
and soon proudly floating from its position in line. 

Lay in line of battle till 2:30 A. M. May 6th, when the 
army began falling back, the Third Corps recrossing the Rap- 
pahannock at daylight, returned to its old camp near Fal- 
mouth, arriving in the afternoon. 

Major General Hiram G. Berry, commanding the Second 
Division, was killed May 3rd, while gallantly striving to 
check the flank attack of the enemy. 

Camp near Falmouth, Fa., May 8th, 1863. 

Major: In compliance w4th circular from headquarters 
Excelsior Brigade, I have the honor to submit the following 
report of the part taken by the regiment now under my 
command during the recent operations: 

On April 28th, in pursuance of orders, my command was 
marched to a point near the river, three or four miles below 
Fredericksburg, where it halted for the night, and bivou- 
acked in the woods. 

The following morning, in compliance with instructions, 
the command was moved about one mile to the right, where 
it halted and remained until the next day, when, in com- 
pliance with orders, received from the brigadier-general com- 
manding the brigade, the regiment was moved to the im- 
mediate vicinity of the United States Ford, where it encamped 
for the night. 

Next day (May 2) at about 11 A. M., the brigade of 
which my regiment constitutes a part, crossed the pontoon 
bridge at the United States Ford, and marched to the sup- 



CHANCELLORSVILLE. 91 

port of the right of the army, which was then heavily engag- 
ed at or near Chancellorsville, where we remained under 
arms until the evening of May 2nd. 

We were then ordered to proceed up the Fredericksburg 
and Gordansville Plank Road, to take a position in the rear 
of the Eleventh Army Corps, which had been repulsed and 
broken, for the purpose of checking the enemy at that point. 
We then marched with the brigade about a mile up the road, 
and formed in line of battle on the right of it and nearly at 
right angles with it. Company D, commanded by Capt. C. 
K. Abell, was deployed to the front as skirmishers, and we 
remained prepared for any emergencies during the night. I 
might here mention that during the night the regiment was 
occupied in throwing up a breastwork, wiiich was com- 
pleted at daylight. 

At about 6 A. M. on the 3rd instant, the enemy opened 
a rapid and severe fire upon us, and drove our pickets in. 
After heavy skirmishing for some time, the enemy advanced 
in force, and a severe engagement ensued, which lasted for 
upwards of three quarters of an hour, when, owing to the 
left of the brigade being flanked, and the enemy advancing 
upon the left flank of the troops under my command with a 
heavy force, the regiment was ordered to change front to 
repel them. The movement was attempted, but the raj)id 
advance of so large a force of the enemy on our flank and 
front rendered it impossible to execute it. 

The^regiment was then ordered to fall back, which was 
done in good order by breaking by companies, successively 
to the rear, keeping up a galling fire upon the enemy. 

It was during this brief but severe engagement that our 
brave Colonel, William 0. Stevens, while gallantly directing 
our movement, fell, dangerously, if not mortally wounded. 
In consequence of the nearness of the enemy and the sever- 



"92 CHANCELLORSVILLE. 

ity of the engagement, it was impossible to carry him from 
the field. After the fall of our noble Colonel, the enemy, ren- 
dered bold by their momentary success, advanced more rap- 
idly on our flank and front, and attempted to capture our 
colors; but the steadfast devotion and bravery of my regi- 
ment repelled their attempt, and although the conflict was 
hand-to-hand, and their force far superior in numbers to our 
own, the four who successively seized our colors were made 
to bite the dust, and the colors of the regiment were borne 
in safety from the field. 

The regiment went into this action with 29 commission- 
ed officers and 411 enlisted men. The loss sustained in killed, 
wounded and missing was 12 commissioned officers and 92 
enlisted men, making an aggregate of 104, or about one 
fourth of the entire command. 

In the afternoon of the same day my command was 
placed in support of the batteries in front, and there remain- 
ed until the evening of the 5th, when, in accordance with 
orders received to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a 
moment's notice, we formed line, and, about 3 A. M. took 
up our march and recrossed the pontoon bridge and returned 
to our former camp, where we arrived at about 5 P. M. of 
the same day. 

I cannot close this brief report without calling your at- 
tention to the bravery manifested by all the officers and men 
under my command, and especially to the coolness and 
bravery of Adjt. James A. Smith (whose gallant bearing in 
former engagements has been mentioned,) who, by his brave 
and gallant conduct in cheering on the men and directing 
their fire in our most trying moments, deserves the highest 
^ward which can be given to a brave and fearless soldier. 
Also Lieutenant Patrick Anderson, whose conduct in the 



CHANCELLORSVILLE. 93 

action added still greater weight to the encomiums already 
passed upon him. 

I would also call your attention to the noble conduct of 
Sergeant Richard W. Clark, of Company H, whose coolness 
and bravery elicited the warmest admiration of all his com- 
rades. 

I have attempted in the foregoing brief and barren state- 
ment to do justice to the brave men whose former record is 
so well known that comment is unnecessary^ While I can- 
not but feel proud of the gallant bearing of the men now 
under my command, I cannot but join my sympathies with 
those of the entire command in mourning the loss of our 
brave and noble Colonel, whose character as a soldier and a 
gentleman is unsullied, and whose many virtues endeared 
him to the hearts of all. 

Very respectfully your obedient servant, 
John Leonard, 

Major Commanding Third Regiment, Excelsior Brigade. 

MaJ. J. P. FiNKELMEIER, 

Assistant Adjutant General Excelsior Brigade. 
0. W. R. Vol. 39, P. 4f)6. 

On May 13th an arrangement having been made with 
the Confederates by which our wounded could be brought 
across ithe Rappahannock, Surgeon C. K. Irwin, Chap- 
lain Wm. R. Eastman, and others, crossed the river un- 
der a flag of truce. During their search for wounded they 
learned of the death of Colonel Stevens, and where he was 
buried. The body was taken from the grave, placed in an 
ambulance, and, in charge of Surgeon Irwin, brought into 
the Union lines. Judge William Stevens, father of the Col- 
onel, met them at United States Ford, and they proceeded 
to regimental headquarters. 



94 CHANCELLORSVILLE. 

On the morning of May 14th, the regiment acting as an 
escort, the Colonel's body was taken to Stoneman's Switch 
on its way home. 

On the 28th of May Lieutenant Colonel John S. Austin 
was made Colonel; Major John Leonard, Lieutenant Colonel; 
and Captain Caspar K. Abell, of Company D, Major; these 
promotions to date from May 4th, the day on which Colonel 
Stevens died. 



William Oliver Stevens, son of Judge Willinm 
Stevens, was born at Belfast, Maine, February 3, 1828. 
Graduating from Harvard College in 1848, he studied law, 
and settled at Dunkirk, New York, in 1852. In 1859 he was 
elected District Attorney of Chautauqua County. When 
Fort Sumter was fired upon he commanded Company D, 
68th Regiment New York State MiHtia. He re-organized 
the company and tendered its services to Hon. Daniel E. 
Sickles, who was raising a brigade of United States Volun- 
teers. Was accepted and reported at Staten Island May 31, 
1861, with 105 men, who became Company D, Third Regi- 
ment, Excelsior Brigade, under Col. Nelson Taylor. He was 
commissioned Major June 25, 1861. From this time his 
history was the history of the regiment. After the Peninsu- 
lar cam])aign, while in Dunkirk, on recruiting service, Major 
Stevens declined an offer of the command of a new regiment, 
just forming. He was promoted Colonel to date September 
8, 1862. May 3, 1863, at Chancellorsville, he fell at the 
head of the regiment, mortally wounded, and died the next 
day at Dowdall's Tavern, within the Confederate lines. His 
body was first buried near the old Wilderness Church, but a 
week later was removed by Surgeon C. K. Irwin, under flag 
of truce, to the camp of the regiment, and sent thence to 
Dunkirk. It rests in the cemetery at Fredonia close by the 
grave of his friend and comrade. Surgeon Irwin, who died 
three years afterward. 



CHAPTER XL 

Colonel William 0. Stevens. 

Headquarters Third Eegiment, Ex. Brig., 

May 18th, 1863. 

At a meeting of the officers of the Excelsior Brigade, 
held at the headquarters of the Third Excelsior, Colonel 
William R. Brewster, commanding the Brigade, presiding, 
the following preamble and resolutions were adopted, as 
expressing the feelings of the entire Brigade. 

Whereas, It hath pleased God in his all wise providence 
to remove from us our late associate and commander. 
Colonel William 0. Stevens, who fell on the morning of May 
3d, at the battle of Chancellorsville while nobly performing 
his duty, we, the surviving officers of the Regiment, and the 
Brigade, with which he has been so long connected, wish to 
pay this slight tribute to departed worth, while expressing 
our heart-felt sympathy for his afflicted family in bereave- 
ment. 

In the loss of Colonel William 0. Stevens this regiment, 
and the army has been deprived of the services of a most 
gallant and efficient officer, an accomplished gentleman and a 
true patriot, who has sealed with his life his devotion to his 
country, and our highest aspirations for the future shall be 
to emulate the noble example of his fidelity to trust that he 
has bequeathed to us. 

Through all the vicissitudes of the service in which he 
has been engaged, he has manifested a steady and hopeful 
bearing, stimulating by an exalted zeal and patriotism the 



COLONEL WILLIAM O. STEVENS. 97 

hopes of the wavering, and encouraging all by noble exam- 
ple to stand firmly in the great struggle, trusting to the 
righteousness of their cause for the attainment of perma- 
nently beneficial results. 

To the afflicted family in their bereavement, words of 
condolence and sympathy are all we can offer. Our loss has 
been great, theirs has been greater. A parent now mourns 
the offering of a second son on the altar of his country, while 
a devoted wife with her fatherless children, deplores the loss 
of a loving and generous protector. We trust that a Higher 
Power may sustain them in their bereavement, and enable 
them to support with becoming fortitude their deep distress, 
realizing that, though he sleeps, his memory will not be for- 
gotten, but will descend to posterity with names of the illus- 
trious dead, which a grateful country will render immortal. 

Resolved, That copies of the above be sent to the family 
of Colonel Stevens, Washington Chronicle, Boston Journal, 
New York Herald, Chicago Times, N. Y, Tribune, Dunkirk 
Journal, Jamestown Journal, and Westfield Republican for 
publication. 

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be placed 
in the records of the Brigade. 

William R. Brewster, 

Colonel Fourth Excelsior, 
James A. Smith, President. 

Adjutant Third Excelsior, 
Secretary. 

At a meeting of the regimental officers it was decided to 
offer the position of Colonel to Nelson Taylor, who organ- 
ized the regiment, but who at this time was not connected 
with the service, and the following letter was sent him : 



98 colonel william o. stevens. 

Headquarters Third Regiment, 
Excelsior Brigade. 

May 26, 1863. 
General : 

The clash of arms and the fate of battle has caused us to 
moui'u the loss of a noble and brave officer, one whose mem- 
ory will long be cherished by the survivors of this regiment. 
This fatal blow has deprived us of a commander. In this, 
our affliction, w^e turn our thoughts to him who first gave 
this regiment its name; whose braver}^ and noble bearing 
led us through the Peninsula and other campaigns; and we, 
the undersigned, in behalf of the officers of the Third Regi- 
ment, Ex. Brig., do earnestly request that you would again 
assume the duties and become our commander, knowing as 
we do, that such would meet with a hearty approval, and 
confer a great favor upon your old command. 

Requesting your immediate attention, we remain, 
Yours very respectfully, 
(Signed) John S. Austin, Lt. Col. 
John Leonard, Major. 
C. K. Abell, Capt. 
John P. Sandford, Capt. 

(Reply) 

New York, N. Y., Maj 29th, 1863. 

To Lieut. Col. J. S. Austin, Major J. Leonard and Captains 

C. K. Abell and J. P. Sandford: 

Yours of the 26th inst. has this da}' been received, and as 
requested, I hasten to reply. 

You have indeed cause to "mourn the loss of a noble and 
brave officer." In the death of Col. Win. 0. Stevens you 
alone have not met with a great loss, but the country and 
the service have lost a devoted patriot and gallant soldier; 
one whose manly bearing, correct deportment and exem- 



COLONEL WILLIAM O. STEVENS. 99 

plary habits endeared him to all whose ^ood fortune it was 
to enjoy his acquaintance, and well qualified and fitted him 
for a high station in life; and who, if it had been God's will 
to have spared, by his own intrinsic worth 1 am confident 
would have risen to a high position. 

I sincerely condole with you in the loss of one so meritor- 
ious and deservedly well thought of, and an , as he 

was so soon to be taken from us, in knowing that he died a 
most glorious death, defending that which is most dear to 
every true American heart, the preservation and per]ietuity 
of the government of our common country. 

I feel flattered and honored by the compliment of being 
tendered the command of the Kegt. with which originalh^ I 
was so thoroughh^ identified. It is an additional evidence if 
any were needed, that however undeserving of your contin- 
ued confidence and regard, that I am still favorabh^ remem- 
bered by those whose devotion and services to the noble 
cause in which they are engaged, will ever be to me a source 
of intense solicitude. I regret that circumstances are such 
that I shall have to forego the acceptance of your generous 
offices, and trust that the j)osition will be more .satisfactor- 
ily filled by one of your own number. 

With high respect and esteem for the officers and men of 
the Third Regiment, 

I remain most truly and sincerely, 
_, ^ _ Your Obt. Servant, 

Nelson Taylor. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Gettysburg — Wapping Heights. 
June, July,-1863. 

Remained in camp near Falmouth till June 11th, when 
marching orders were received. Called up at 3 A. M. June 
12th. Formed in line at 5 A. M., and at 7 A. M. started on 
what proved to be the Gettysburg campaign, marching 
about twelve miles. Started at 4:30 A. M,, on the 13th, and 
marched to Rappahannock Station, twenty-one miles. 

Eai'ly on the morning of the 14th the regiment marched 
back about five miles, and went on picket. Called in at 7:30 
P. M., rejoined the division, marched all night and went into 
bivouac near Cedar Run at 7 A. M. on the 15th. Rested 
most of the day, and marched to Manassas, reaching there 
at 11 P. M. On the morning of the 17th the corps moved 
down to Bull Run, and at 3 P. M. marched over to Center- 
ville, going into bivouac at 6 P. M. Moved to Gum Springs 
during the afternoon of the 19th. The regiment went on 
picket on the evening of the 21st. Relieved from picket at 
6 P. M. on the 22nd, and returned to camp. Marched at 
10 A. M. on the 25th. Eight companies wei'e detached 
from the regiment, six as guard for the division wagon train, 
and two for other service. Reached the Potomac at Ed- 
ward's Ferry, a distance of thirteen miles, at 4 P. M. Crossed 
to the Maryland side on a pontoon bridge, marched west- 
ward along the narrow tow-path between the canal and 
river, eleven miles to the mouth of the Monocacy, going into 



GETTYSBURG. 101 

bivouac for the night, sifter an inuisually hard march, at 11 
P. M. It began raining at 5 P. M., and continued through 
the night. The wagon train reached Edward's Ferry at 5:30 
P. M., but was cut off by the trains of the First (\)i-j)s. 
Crossed the Potomac at H A. M. on the 2Gth, marched up 
near Point of Rocks, Maryland, and went into camp. The 
six companies were relieved from the wagon train on the 
morning of tlie 27th, and returned to the regiment. Passed 
thrcnigh some fine villages during the day, and camped for 
the night two miles south of Middletown. 

Sandy Hook, June 27th imS. 1 P. 3/. 
{Received at S P. M.) 
Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, 

General-in-Chief. 
My original instructions require me to cover Harper's 
Ferry and Washington. I have now imposed upon me, in 
addition, an enemy in my front of more than my number. I 
beg to be understood respectfully, but firmly, that I am 
unable to comply with this condition, with the means at my 
disposal, and earnestly request that 1 may at once be relieved 
from the position I occupy. 

Joseph Hooker, 

Major General. 
0. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 60. 

Washington, D. C, 

June 27th, 180S, 8 P. M. 
Major General Hooker, 

Army of the Potomac: 
Your application to be relieved from your present com- 
mand is received. 



102 GETTYSBURG. 

As you were appointed to this command by the Presi- 
dent, I have no power to relieve you. Your dispatch has 
been duly referred for Executive action. 

H. W. Halleck, 

General-in-Chief. 
0. W. R., Vol. 43, P. 60. 

Headquarters of the army, 
Washington, D. C. June 27th, 1863. 
Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, 
Army oi the Potomac. 

General : You will receive with this the order of the 
President placing you in command of the Army of the Poto- 
mac. Considering the circumstances, no one ever received a 
more important command, and I cannot doubt that you 
will fully justify the confidence which the Government has 
reposed in you. 

You will not be hampered by any minute instructions 
from these headquarters. Your army is free to act as you 
may deem proper under the circumstances, as they arise. 
You will, however, keep in view the important fact that the 
Army of the Potomac is the covering army of Washington 
as well as the army of operation against the invading forces 
of the rebels. 

You will, therefore, manoeuver and fight in such a man- 
ner as to cover the capital, and also Baltimore, as far as 
circumstances will admit. Should General Lee move upon 
either of these places, it is expected that you will either an- 
ticipate him or arrive with him, so as to give him battle. All 
forces within the sphere of your operations will be held sub- 
ject to your orders. 

Harper's Ferry and its garrison are under your direct 
orders. 



GETTYSBURG. 103 

You ai-e authorized to remove from command, and to 
send from your army any officer or other person you may 
deem proper, and to appoint to command as you may deem 
expedient. In fine, General, you are intrusted with all the 
power and authority which the President, the Secretary of 
War, or the General-in-Chief can confer on you, and you 
may rely upon our full support. 

You will keep me fully informed of all your movements, 
and the ])ositions of your tro(»ps and those of the enemy, so 
far as known. I shall always be ready to advise and assist 
you to the utmost of my ability. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
H. W. Halleck, 

Geueral-in-Chiet. 
0. W. R. Vol. 43, P. Gl. 

General Hooker was relieved from the command of the 
Army of the Potomac on the morning of June 28th. For 
several days previous to the foregoing- correspondence Gen- 
eral Hooker had requested that certain troo])s in, and near 
the territory in which he was operating* be placed under his 
direct command. This was refused him, but the order plac- 
ing General Meade in command gave him (General Meade) 
the authority General Hooker asked, and more. 

Although this correspondence is hardly part of a regi- 
mental history, it is given as the older members of the regi- 
ment had a personal interest in the welfare of their old divi- 
sion commander, "Fighting Joe Hooker." 

Major General D. E. Sickles resumed command of the 
Third Gorps on the 28th. 

Marched at 8 A. M., passed through Frederick City about 
3 P. M., receiving a very cordial reception from the citizens, 
who supplied many of the men with sandwiches, coffee &c. 



104 GETTYSBURG. 

Camped for the night near Walkerville, seven miles beyond, 
at 9 P. M. 

Marched at 5 A. M. on the 29th, and camped for the 
night near the fine village of Taneytown, Marched at 4 P. 
M. on the 30th, going to Bridgeport, about four miles. 

Marched at 8 A. M. July 1st, stopping in Emmitsburg 
for the First Division, First Corps, to pass, and halted again 
outside the town till the other divisions of the First Corpshad 
passed. Marched at 3 P. M. for Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 

Soon after dark the head of the division crossed Marsh 
Creek, and turned to the left. After clearing the Emmitsburg 
road a halt was ordered, when some of the men at the head 
of the column went out to find something to eat. Seeing a 
light in the distance they were surprised on approaching the 
house from which it came, to see through the windows a 
number of rebel artillerymen eating supper. The Union men 
soon learned that they were almost in the rebel line of 
march. They at once returned to the division, and reported 
w^hat they had learned. The division returned to the main 
road and went into bivouac on the field of Gettysburg at 1 
A. M., July 2nd. 

The position of the Third Corps was changed several 
times during the day, and the line advanced for a general 
engagement about 3 P. M., lying under the heaviest artillery 
fire the corps had ever experienced for about one hour, when 
the infantry became engaged. 

The rebels broke the line to the left and rear of the Sec- 
ond Division and doubled up the front line of battle. The 
division changed front and rallied three times, but was com- 
pelled to fall back to the second line, leaving several pieces of 
artillery whose horses w^ere disabled, in the hands of the 
enemv. 



GETTYSBURG 105 

Brigadier-General A. A. Hnm])lireys, coinmandinf]^ the di- 
vision, assisted by Lieutenant-Colonels Leonard,of the Third, 
and Burns, of the Fourth Excelsior, rallied a part of the Bri- 
gade, and, with some members of the First Division, charged 
back across the field, recapturing all the artillery and a 
large number of prisoners, including part of the 8th Florida 
Regiment, with their colors. Sergeant Thomas Horan, of 
Company, E, Third Regiment, captured the colors. 

Lieutenant-Colonel John Leonard, with Sergeant Henri 
LeFevre Brown, and Private M. Luther Howard, of Com- 
pany B, were the first to reach the most advanced gun. 
They had loosened the disabled horses and turned the gun 
before assistance reached them. The prisoners were made 
to help drag the guns from the field. 

Major-General Daniel E. Sickles, while directing the 
movements of his command in their gallant struggle in the 
Peach Orchard, was severely wounded, resulting in the loss 
of a leg. As he was placed on a stretcher the General was 
informed that his men thought he was mortalh' wounded. 
To correct this re])ort, and cheer up the men, he re(|uested 
the Drum Major of the First Regiment, who had chai-ge of 
the brigade stretcher bearers, to take a cigar case from an 
inside pocket, and light a cigar for him. 

This having been done, the General was carried along 
thel ine, coolly smoking, to a road leading to the rear. After 
the amj)utation of his leg General Sickles was carried on a 
stretcher by a detail from the Excelsior Brigade, about 
twelve miles to the nearest available railroad. 

The Excelsior Brigade did its fighting in and near the 
Peach Orchard. 

On the Hrd instant the Third Corps lay in support of the 
Second Corps, on the left center, and although under fire, 
did not become actively engaged. Their position was such 



106 GETTYSBURG. 

that the men had an excellent view of the celebrated rebel 
charge, now known as "Pickett's Charge." 

The rebels began their retreat from Gettysburg on the 
night of July 3rd. 

The Third Corps remained in this vicinity till July 7th, 
when it started in pursuit of the enemy, overtaking them at 
William sport, Maryland, on the night of July 10th. At this 
time the rebel army under General Lee could have been 
crushed. The whole Union Army realized it, and wanted to 
fight. It is now known that the enemy at this time was 
practically out of ammunition, with no means of obtaining 
a supply. The Potomac river was so high from recent rains 
that it could not be crossed; but for some reason no attack 
was made in force, 

Major-General A. A. Humphreys, in his report on Gettys- 
burg, says of the Second Division: "In parting from this 
celebrated division, after having commanded it for the brief 
period of fifty days, 1 trust that I may be excused for ex- 
pressing my admiration for its high soldierly qualities. It is 
impossible to pass it in review, even, without perceiving that 
its ranks are filled with men who are soldiers in the best 
meaning of the term, and that it possesses in the grade of 
commissioned officers men whose skill, courage and accom- 
plishments would grace any service." 
O. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 536. 

Major General William H. French joined and assumed 
command of the Third Corps July 9th, 1863. 
O. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 489. 

Brigadier General Henry Prince joined the Second Divi- 
sion on the evening of July 9th, 1863, and assumed com- 
mand on the morning of July 10th. 
O. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 537. 



WAPPING HEIGHTS. 107 

Brip^adier General Frank Spinola assumed command of 
the; Excelsior Brigade July llth, 18G3. 
O. W.R. Vol.43, P. 5G0. 

Lay in bivouac in line of battle till the morning of July 
14th, when it was learned that the rebels had crossed the 
Potomac into Virginia during the previous night. 

The army again started in pursuit, the Third Corps 
marching at G A. M., July 15th, and went into camp near 
Sharpsburg, Maryland, at 1 P. M. Marched at 6 A. M. on 
the 16th, going into camp near Maryland Heights at 1 P. 
M. Marched at 4 P. M. on the 17th, crossing the Potomac 
and Shenandoah Rivers at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, at 6:30 
P. M., and went into camp at 9 P. M. 

Marched slowly till July 23rd, when an advance was 
made at Manassas Gap in the Blue Ridge. After a good deal 
of manoeuvering the Excelsior Brigade was formed in line of 
battle under the brow of the hill immediately in rear of the 
skirmish line. At 5 P. M. a charge was made at Wapping 
Heights in Manassas Gap, driving the rebels from their po- 
sition. 

This was the most interesting charge in which the Excel- 
sior Brigade ever participated. JMack-berrying was good in 
the "Gap," and the right of the line became so interested in 
picking berries, as well as driving rebels, that the Second 
Regiment, which had the right of the Brigade, and the right 
wing of the Third Regiment next it, continued the berrying 
about an eighth of a mile after a halt had been ordered, the 
left of the line having stopped on a hill behind them. Many 
of the men found this hill a hard one to climb, although the 
rebels kindly helped them with bullets from the opposite hill. 
The brigade formed in line of battle at 11 A. M. July 
24th, and advanced through the *'Gap" to Front Royal, but 



108 WAPPING HEIGHTS. 

could find no rebels, they having retired during the previous 
night. Turned back at 2 P. M. Marched about 6 miles, 
and bivouacked for the night. Marched about twenty miles 
on the 25th. Marched at 5 A. M. July 26th, passed through 
Warrenton City at 9 A, M., and went into camp in a fine 
park about two miles beyond the town. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 28th, 1863. 
Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas, 

Adjutant-General of the Army. 
General : I have the honor herewith to transmit two ad- 
ditional battle-flags captured from the enemy at the battle 
of Gettysburg, on which are the following inscriptions, viz: 
First, "Captured from the Eighth Florida Regiment by 
Serg't. Thomas Horan, Seventy-second New York (Third 
Excelsior) Volunteers." * * * * 

I am. General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
GEORaE G. Meade, 

Major-General Commanding. 
0. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 103. 

Headquarters Second Division, Third Corps, 
Camp near Warrenton, Va., July 29, 1863. 
Captain : 

Pursuant to your circular, I have the honor to report 
the operations of this division during July 23, 24 and 25 : 

The division marched from its bivouac at Piedmont early 
on the morning of the 23rd instant, following the road to 
Manassas Gap. At Linden we came up with the First Divi- 
sion of the corps, and I then formed the three brigades in 
three columns in mass, and was ordered in this manner to 
follow and support the First Division, which was deployed 
to the front. This was done by orders from headquarters of 



WAPPING HEIGHTS. 109 

the corps, until the First Division had carried the high ridge 
crossing our course, upon which the enemy first made fight. 
This was a very high and steep ridge, and, being cleared, the 
whole mechanism of the advance was visible, furnishing a 
magnificent scene. When my columns arrived at the to]), 1 
found the line of the First Division de|)loyed along the crest, 
occupying it far to the right and left. Its skirmishers ad- 
vanced below on the other side, were stationary, and warm- 
ly engaged with those of the enemy, both parties seeking the 
cover of the ground from each other, but perfectly in view 
from the top of the ridge. 

At this juncture I received permission from corps head- 
quarters to employ my division where I saw best. I then 
directed Brigadier General Spinola to march his brigade 
(The Excelsior) by the flank along the hollow, then in our 
view, winding to the front and center of the high ridge on 
w^hich we stood, keeping on the lowest ground within it, and 
on debouching from it by the left flank, to advance in line by 
his proper front up the hill, he would find himself at the base, 
and take it. This hill was the key of the ground occupied 
by the enemy's skirmisliers. The First and Third Brigades 
were already in position to support this charge by advanc- 
ing down the counter-front of the main ridge, a nearer route 
to the hill referred to. 

The line of the Second Brigade made its appearance at 
the base of the hill between five and six P. M., and began to 
ascend before its right was clear of the hollow or ravine, 
which did not give it so fair a start as might otherwise have 
been, but nothing can transcend the gallantry with which 
it rose to the crest and drove the enemy from it. In the 
moment of this success a second crest of the same hill, two 
hundred yards beyond the first, and confounded with it un- 
til this time, came into their view, behind which the enemy 



110 WAPPING HEIGHTS. 

rose from his prone position as thick as men can stand, 
opening a furious fire of musketry. At the same time a six- 
gun battery still further beyond, opened with shell. I now 
advanced the Third Brigade, commanded by Colonel Bur- 
ling, with orders to occupy the crest just taken. It deployed, 
advancing, and arrived promptly and in perfect order at its 
position. The First Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Gen- 
eral Carr, I brought forward in mass to the position of sup- 
port for the flanks of the Third. 

The severest part of the charge of the Excelsior Brigade 
was before it, after taking the first crest, but without hesi- 
tation, with the determination of the Union soldier and the 
fury of the hurricane, it took the second crest, and exposed 
the enemy (scampering away from it) to fire while descend- 
ing the one side of a deep cleared hollow, and climbing up the 
other. Directions had been sent by me to the brigade, while 
charging the second crest, to halt upon and maintain that 
crest, and to restore its line there, and I arrived there with 
part of my staff in time to assist in doing this. The simple 
narrative of this infantry exploit, unaided by any other 
branch of the service, is the most just commendation that 
can be made of those who performed it. It is impossible to 
mention their names. 

Very respectfully your obedient servant, 

Henry Prince, 
Brigadier General of Volunteers, Conidg. Division. 
Capt. W. F. a. Torbert, 

A. D. C. and A. A. A. G. Third Army Corps. 
0. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 538. 

The foregoing extract from the report of General Prince 
is a fine description of the part taken by the Excelsior Bri- 
gade in the Battle of Wapping Heights. 



WAPPING HEIGHTS. Ill 

The following extract from the report of Major General 
William H. French, commanding the Third Corps, is inter- 
esting: 

"The enemy was now reported as forming his line of bat- 
tle near the Chester Gap road, and to the left of the Pass. 
Continuous columns of cavalry, infantry, artillery and bag- 
gage-wagons were seen during the day, moving fi'om the 
direction of Winchester toward Strasburg, Ijuray and Front 
Royal; the force in front of us being evidently a large flank 
guard to delay our advance. 

The First Division was formed in line of battle, supported 
by the Second, and the Third Division held in reserve. The 
enemy had rallied his skirmishers in his front and l)ehind the 
slopes which descend from Wapping Heights, carried by 
Ward's division. I sent an order to General Prince by Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Hayden, chief of staff, to send a brigade to 
penetrate the ravine in front, and cut the enemy's line, and 
to drive them away. 

The Excelsior Brigade was selected to carry out my 
orders, and moved rai)idly to execute them. Descending the 
])reci[)itous slopes of Wapping Heiglits, they w^ere directed 
upon the valley which separated the series of knolls in our 
front, behind the principal of which the enemy, perceiving 
the object of the movement, concentrated. The brigade 
was at once deployed at the base of the knoll, and advanced 
upon the enemy. Halting for a moment upon the crest of 
the hill, the line rushed upon the enemy with the bayonet, 
giving cheer after cheer, and driving him back in confusion 
out of the Gap. 

Nothing could be more brilliant than the conduct of the 
officers and men in this affair, evidencing fighting qualities 
of the higliest order. 



112 WAPPING HEIGHTS. 

Brigadier General Spinola, who led and commanded the 
brigade, was twice wounded. After the front had been en- 
tirely cleared, the other brigades of the Second Division 
moved down in rear of the Excelsior, which, being taken for 
a threat upon the road to Front Royal by the enemy, a 
few random shots from two rifled guns near the road were 
sent into our lines at a great range. It was now almost 
nightfall, and the men, exhausted by a long and arduous 
march and spirited attack, were permitted to lie on their 
arms. 

On the following morning the Second Division pickets 
being pushed out, it was discovered that the enemy had 
withdi-awn in the night. That division was sent to Front 
Royal with a battery, but finding no enemy in force, it was 
directed to return, and the march was resumed to Warren- 
ton, near which town the corps went into camp. 

The soldierlike spirit which entered into the performance 
of the duties of these troops, whether in contact with the 
enemy or while advancing to meet him, is worthy of the 
highest commendation." 

0. W. R. Vol. 27, Part 1, P. 490. 

August 1st the Third Corps moved down near Beverly 
Ford on the Rappahannock, and went into camp. 

Headquarteks Third Regiment, Excelsior Brigade, 
Camp near Beverly Ford, Va. August 15th, 1863, 
Major: In compliance with circular from brigade head- 
quarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of 
the part taken by this regiment during the recent movements 
from June 28th to July 26th: 

We left Middletown June 28th, passing through Freder- 
ick to Walkerville, where we camped for the night. 




COL. JOHN S. AUSTIN 



GETTYSBURG. 113 

On the 29th we marched through Woodsborough and 
Middleburg to Taneytown. 

Left Taneytown on the morning of the oOth, marched 
through Bridgeport, and biyouacked for the night about 
three miles from the town. 

July 1st, we marched to Emmitsburg, and encamped 
about 2 P. M. Broke camp at 4 P. M., and marched to 
Gettysburg, arriving there at 2 A. M. 

We were ordered to the front about 10 A. M. on the 2nd, 
when our regiment was placed in reserve of the Second Bri- 
gade, Second Division. 

At 2 P. M. we were ordered to advance across an open 
field in line of battle, the left of our regiment, which formed 
the extreme left of the brigade, resting on a cross road, the 
line running parallel with the main road, and in rear of the 
peach orchard. We remained in line of battle nbout two 
hours, under a most terrific fire of shot and shell, when we 
were pressed so hard on the left flank that we were obliged 
to fall back. This we did in as good order as the circum- 
stances would permit. 

At this time I was wounded in the arm and side, and a 
few minutes after had my horse killed. 1 was now obliged 
to give up the command to Lieutenant-Colonel Leonard, who 
fought the regiment after 1 left. He and the rest of the offi- 
cers were indefatigable in their exertions to rally the men, 
who were still hard pressed and obliged to fall slowly back 
to the crest of the hill from which tlie brigade started in the 
morning, where they rallied, and, charging across the field^ 
retook their guns, and one battle-fiag belonging to the 
Eighth Florida Regiment, together with a large number of 
prisoners, all of which they brought from the field. 

It was now dark, and the remnants of the regiment were 
collected together, and bivouacked for the night in an orch- 



1 14 GETTYSBURG. 

ard near the Gettysburg road. The next morning the regi- 
ment was marched back to the rear, for the purpose of ob- 
taining ammunition and rations for the men. 

At 2 P. M. they were again moved to the front, to sup- 
port a batter}^, where the regiment remained until 7 P. M., 
when it returned to the position that they occupied in the 
morning. 

On the morning of the 5th they were again moved for- 
ward, and took up a position in the second hne of battle. In 
about two hours the regiment was marched back into a field 
and encamped. 

On the morning of the 6th it was found that the enemy 
had retreated and we were at once ordered to march. We 
did not move over half a mile, and then returned to the same 
camp. 

It would be doing an act of injustice to the brave men of 
the Third if I did not speak more at length in regard to their 
conduct on that memorable and ever-to-be-remembered July 
2nd. It would also seem like an injustice to speak of one as 
having done better or performed his duty more nobly than 
another, still, I cannot pass by in silence the manner in which 
Lieutenant-Colonel Leonard and Major Abell performed their 
duties on that occasion; also Captain Bailey and Lieutenant 
William McConnell. Among the men it is hard to particular- 
ize, but I think that our Color Corporal, Edwin H. Torry, 
deserves particular mention. He was ever to the front, and 
carried the flag through that storm of shot and shell with 
credit to the regiment and honor to himself. Our loss was 
very severe. We took 22 officers and 283 men into the fight, 
and had 8 officers wounded, one of whom has since died, 7 
men killed, 86 wounded, and 15 missing. 

On the 7th the regiment marched toMechanicstown, and 
encamped for the night. 



WAPPING HEIGHTS. 1 15 

Left camp on the morning of the 8th at 6 A. M., and 
marched about one mile beyond Frederick, where it bivou- 
acked for tlie night at 10 P. M. 

On the 9th it marched to Middletown, where it received 
rations for the first time in two (lavs, and encamped for the 
night on the battle-field of South Mountain. 

Moved at nine o'clock on the morning of the 10th, crossed 
the Antietam Creek, and halted on the old battle-field of An- 
tietam. Moved again at 10 P. M.,recrossed Antietam Creek ^ 
and marched until two o'clock in the morning. 

Broke camp the 11th at 6 A. M.,and marched two miles. 
Remained in the same position until 4 P. M., then moved 
across the Antietam Creek, and encamped for the night. On 
the 12th moved about one mile, and encam[)ed in a ])iece of 
woods, and remained until the morning of the l-lth, then 
again moved forward and occupied the position that the 
enemy held the day before, near Williamsport. As the enemy 
had succeeded in crossing the Potomac, retraced line of 
march of the day before, passed through Sharpsburg, and 
encam])ed about two miles beyond the town. 

On the l(jth moved to within about two miles of Harp- 
ers Ferry, and encamped at the foot of Maryland Heights. 

The next day crossed the river, and encamped in Virginia. 
On the 18th, 19th and 20th, on the march, arriving at Up- 
perville, where they remained for two days. 

On the 22nd, moved to Manassas Gap, and halted for 
the night at Piedmont Station, and on the morning of the 
23rd moved up the Gap to where our troops were skirmish- 
ing with the enemy. 

The enemy had taken up their position across the Gap, 
and all the efforts of the skirmishers to dislodge them proved 
unavailing. At this time the Excelsior P>rigade, of which my 
regiment forms a ])art, was ordered to charge the heights, 



116 WAPPING HEIGHTS. 

and drive the enemy from their position. With a yell that 
would have done credit to a band of demons, our boys sprang 
to their feet and rushed upon the foe. The first and second 
heights were carried in the face of a severe fire, when the 
enemy opened from the opposite hill with a four-gun bat- 
tery, and the men, who were now completely exhausted, 
were ordered to hold their position, of which they had so 
gallantly taken possession. The next morning at daylight 
it was discovered that the enemy had retreated. Moved 
forward to Front Royal, and remained about two hours, 
and then marched back through rhe Gap, and encamped for 
the night six miles beyond. 

It would not be doing justice to the regiment for me to 
pass by this point without making some mention of the 
manner in which both ofiicers and men performed their duty 
on that occasion; neither would it be proper for me to make 
any invidious distinction among men who have proved them- 
selves soldiers in ever sense of the word on many a hard- 
fought battle-field, for all did their duty nobly. Each seemed 
to vie with the other in his attempt to reach the enemy, thus 
making it a fight not onl}" for victory, but for personal 
honor. Owing to the uneven nature of the ground our loss 
was comparatively small. Eight men were wounded, one 
of whom has since died from the effects of the wound. 

On the 25th marched through Salem, and bivouacked 
for the night five miles beyond. The next day marched to 
Warrenton, encamping about two miles from the town, on 
the road to Sulphur Springs, 

I have attempted in the foregoing brief and barren sketch 
to do justice to the brave officers and men who form the 
Third Excelsior, although I know I have but partiall}'' suc- 
ceeded, and I cannot close without extending my heartfelt 



GETTYSBURG, 1 17 

sympathy to the friends of those who have been called upon 
to mourn the loss of kind friends and brave soldiers. 
The above is respectfully submitted. 
1 am, Major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

John S. Austin, 

Colonel Comninnding 
Third Excelsior. 
Major J. P. Finklemeier, 

Assistcint Adjutant General, Excelsior [Second) Brigade. 
0. W. R. Vol. 43, P 565. 

There has been a great deal of controversy regarding the 
importance of the advanced position taken by General Sick- 
les with the Third Corps on the aftei-noon of July 2nd. 

That the judgment of General Sickles was correct, is 
shown by the following letter from General Longstreet, who 
commanded the Confederate forces opposed to the Third 
Corps at that time : 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
Office of the Commissioner of Railroads, 

Washington, Sept. 19, 1902. 
General D. E. Sickles, 

Gettysburg, Pa., 
My Dear General Sickles : 

My plan and desire was to meet you at Gettysburg on 
the interesting ceremony attending the unveiling of the Slo- 
cum monument; but today I find myself in no condition to 
keep the promise made you when last we Avere together. I 
am quite disabled from a severe hurt in one of my feet, so 
that I am unable to stand more than a minute or two at a 
time. Please express my sincere regrets to the noble Army 
of the Potomac, and to accept them, especially, for yourself. 



118 GETTYSBURG. 

On that field you made your mark that will place you 
prominently before the world as one of the leading figures of 
the most important battle of the Civil War. As a Northern 
veteran once remarked to me: "General Sickles can well 
afford to leave a leg on that field." 

I believe that it is now conceded that the advanced posi- 
tion at the Peach Orchard, taken by your corps, and under 
your orders, saved that battlefield to the Union cause. It 
was the sorest and saddest reflection of my life for many 
years; but, today, I can say, with sincerest emotion, that it 
was and is the best that could have come to us all, North 
and South, and I hope that the nation, reunited, may al- 
ways enjoy the honor and glory brought to it by that grand 
work. 

Please offer my kindest salutations to your Governor 
and your fellow-comrades of the Army of the Potomac. 
Always yours sincerely, 

(Signed) James Longstreet, 

Lt.-Gen. Confederate Army. 



CHAPTER XIIl. 

Culpepper, Union Mills, Mine Run, Brandy Station, 
September, 1863 — April, 1864. 

Lay quietly in camp near Beverly Ford, doing picket 
duty, etc., until September 15th, when an advance was or- 
dered. 

Marched at 7 A. M. on the 16th, crossed the Rappahan- 
nock at 9 A. M., forded the Hazel River at 11 A. M., stop- 
ping for dinner soon after. Marched up near Culpepper 
Court House, and went into camp for the night. Moved 
about three miles on the 17th, and went into camp, on a hill 
overlooking Culpepper. Renmined there until October 8th. 
Marched at 5 A. M., stopping for dinner at 11 A. M. and did 
not move again till the 10th. The brigade was drawn up in 
line of battle near James City at 10 A. M. There was a good 
deal of skirmishing, but tlie regiment did not become active- 
ly engaged. Began falling back at ] P. M., reaching Culpep- 
per at midnight. Marched all day on the 11th, crossing the 
Rappahannock at Freeman's Ford at 10:30 P. M., and 
bivouacked for the night soon after. While resting in the 
woods on the evening of the 11th, the brigade was charged 
upon, and almost stampeded, by a solitary jjack-mule, load- 
ed with camp kettles &c. The brigade soon rallied, how- 
ever, and succeeded in capturing the mule. 

Marched very fast all day October 13th. Halted at 
Gainesville at 3 A. M. on the 14th; rested until 5 A. M., 
marched back across Bull Run Creek and formed in line of 



120 UNION MILLS. 

battle at 3 P. M. Marched back to Centerville at dark and 
encamped for the night. Marched back near Fairfax Sta- 
tion on the 15th, and formed in line of battle near Union 
Mills. Lay in line of battle all day on the 16th. 

Major General Daniel E. Sickles returned to the corps on 
the 17th, intending to resume command, but he was physic- 
ally unable to do so. The Second Division was drawn up in 
line to receive him in the afternoon. 

Marched at 6 A. M. on the 19th, and went into bivouac 
near Bristoe Station at 3 P. M. Marched at 7 A. M. on the 
20th, advancing slowly and camped for the night at 6 P. M. 
Marched at 7 A. M. October 21st, and went into camp at 11 
A. M. near Catlett's Station. The Brigade remained near 
Catlett's Station guarding the railroad and bridges until 
November 6th, when it M^as relieved and joined the division 
on the front. 

Marched very fast all day on the 7th, reaching Kelly's 
Ford at 3 P. M. The First Division had a severe skirmish in 
the afternoon driving the enemy. The Second Division cross- 
ed the Rappahannock at dark, and bivouacked for the night 
in line of battle. Marched up to Rappahannock Station on 
the morning of the 8th and advanced to Brandy Station in 
the afternoon, going into camp near there on the 11th. 

Remained in camp near Brandy Station until Thanksgiv- 
ing day, November 26th. 

Formed on the color line at 7 A. M., where general orders 
were read, announcing the grand success of Hooker's troops 
at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, the previous day. Marched 
at 7 A. M., crossed the Rapidan at Jacob's Ford at 5 P. M., 
and halted for the night at 7 P. M. 

Marched at 7 A. M. on the 27th, advancing slowly till 3 
P. M., when the brigade was sent to the front at Locust 



MINE RUN. 



121 



Grove, where a charj^e was made, driving the enemy half a 
mile. 

Left the front at o A. M. on the 28th, stopped for break- 
fast, and marched down to Robertson's Tavern, remaining 
there nntil nearly dark, when the division moved to the left 
of the line and went into camp for the night. Advanced 
slowly all day on the 29th. Called up at2 A. M. on the 30th; 
marched at 5 A. M., going to the left of the plank road at 
Mine Run, where a large bod}' of troops were massed in 
column bv brigade to charge the rebel works. There was a 
dense fog at this time, which would have made it impossible 
for the column to have ke])t the proper direction, therefore 
the order to charge was delayed. After the fog had cleared a 
little it was found that the rebel position was an unusually 
strong one, with swampy ground in fi'ont, and it did not 
take the men long to learn this fact. 

The column lay in this position all day, expecting the or- 
der to charge, but it was not received. The Second Division 
returned to the right of the line, and rejoined the corps in 
the evening. 

Started for the rear at G P. M. Dec-ember 1st, the regi- 
ment being guard for the division ammunition train. Crossed 
the Ra})idan at 3 A, M. on the 2nd, and bivouacked for the 
night. Started at 10 A. M. marched all day, arriving at the 
old camp at Brandy Station at 6 P. M., everybody tired out. 

Headquakters Third Regiment, 
Excelsior Bkigade. 
Camp near Brandy Station, Va. 
December 4th, 1863. 
Captain: I have the honor to submit the following 7-e])ort 
of the part taken by the regiment under my command dur- 
ing the recent operations. 



122 LOCUST GROVE. 

On the 27th of November, about 3 P. M. I received an 
order to march my regiment to the support of Colonel Blais- 
dell's brigade. Lieutenant Lock wood, of Colonel Brewster's 
staff, conducted me the right of the line, where I took pos- 
ition in line on the right of the Eight j-fourth Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers. About the time I got my regiment 
formed in line the Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers 
broke, leaving a large interval on my left unprotected, and 
through which the enemy were moving and attempting to 
turn our flank. About this time I ordered the regiment to 
charge, which they did driving the enemy about half a mile 
through the woods and across an open field, at the south 
side of which they had a rifle-pit. I halted the regiment at 
the open field, and in a short time marched back to the road, 
being fearful that 1 might be flanked, after having penetrat- 
ed so far within their lines. As I got to the road I found that 
they had just planted a gun a short distance from our left, 
from which they poured grape and canister upon us, but 
with little effect. We remained in this position until ordered 
back. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

John Leonard, 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment. 
Major J. P. Fenklemeier, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 
O. W. R. Vol. 48, P. 772. 

official loss at locust grove. 

Killed 4 

Wounded 16 

Total 20 

132 men of the regiment re-enlisted at Brandy Station, 
and on December 24th, 1863, were mustered into the ser- 



BRANDY STATION. 123 

vice of the United States for an additional three years. 

The Army of the Potomac remained in camp about 
Brandy Station, Virginia, during the winter of 1863, and 
spring of 1864. 

A good many recruits joined the regiment in January, 
February and March. 

February 6th the regiment marched at 4:30 P. M., in 
support of a dash across the Rapidan by the Second Corps. 
Halted in the woods outside the infantry picket line, at 7:30 
P. M. Returned to camp on the evening of the 7th. 

The Third Corps was reviewed for the last time on March 
16th, near the residence of John Minor Botts, by Generals 
French and Sedgwick. 

Orders were issued by the War Department March 23rd, 
1864, disbanding the "Old Third Army Corps," than which 
there was none better; and no corps of the army had done 
more, or harder fighting. This fact, however, had no weight 
at headcjuarters. 

Although the First and Second Divisions which had made 
a record second to none under the leadership of the lamented 
Phil Kearny, and gallant Joe Hooker, were transferred to 
the Second Corps; they continued to wear the red and white 
diamond badges of the Third Army Corps till the close of the 
war. 

The division which was now the Fourth Division of the 
Second Corps, was reviewed April 14th by General Hancock; 
General Meade was present. 

On A[)ril 20th the regiment received a second beautiful 
National flag from New York City. The presentation was 
made by the Reverend Joseph T. Duyrea, I). D. 

The Second Corps was reviewed April 22nd by General 
U. S. Grant, accompanied by Generals Meade, Hancock and 
others. 



JOHN LEONARD was born in Ireland, December 11^ 
1835, and came to the United States when a child. Enlisted 
May 17, 1855, as a private in Company F, Ninth United 
States Infantry. Was promoted successively to corporal, 
sergeant and first sergeant, and was honorably discharged 
on the expiration of his term of service May 15, 1860. He 
commanded for two years a military post on Simi-ah-mo- 
bay, Washington Territory. When discharged Sergeant 
Leonard returned to Newark, N. J., and in December, 1860, 
was made Captain of a company of militia. Captain Leon- 
ard's compan}^ joined the 72nd Regiment New York Volun- 
teers when organized and became Company F of that regi- 
ment in June, 1861. Promoted to Major October 25, 1862; 
promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel May 4, 1863. When Colonel 
Stevens fell mortally wounded at Chancellors ville, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Leonard, then Major, took command of the 
regiment and led it in all its campaigns until mustered out 
June 22, 1864, on expiration of term of service. Appointed 
Captain in the Veteran Reserve corps August 26, 1864, and 
was honorably discharged from this service January 2, 1867. 
Appointed First Lieutenant 43rd United States Infantry 
July 28, 1866. Transferred to First United States Infantry 
April 8, 1869, and placed on the retired list December 15, 
1870, on account of wounds. Brevetted Major United States 
Volunteers November 7, 1865, for gallant and meritorious 
services during the Civil war. Brevetted Captain United 
States Army March 2, 1867, for gallant and meritorious ser- 
vices in the battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

Brevetted Major United States Army March 2, 1867, for 
gallant and meritorious services in the battle of Gettysburg. 
Died Newark, N. J. February 26, 1902. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The Wilderness Campaign. 
Mav, 1864. 

Marching orders were received at 9 P. M. May 3rd, the 
regiment forming on the color line at 11 P. M. Marched at 
2 A. M. May 4th, the regiment being detailed as guard for 
the division amnumition train. Bivouacked near Ely's Ford 
at midnight. Marched at 8 A. M. on the 5tli, crossed the 
Rapidan river at 9 A. M., and went into bivouac about 5 
P. M. in the large fields near the white house at Chancellors- 
ville. This was the first day of the battle of the Wilderness. 
In the evening many of the men visited the scene of the bat- 
tle of May 3rd, 1863. 

A skeleton lying by a large fallen tree in the woods was 
identified as H. Heyl, a member of Company H. of the regi- 
ment, known to have been mortally wounded the year be- 
fore, by a cup, bearing his initials, found by his side. 

The regiment was called up at 2 A. M. jNIay 6th, relieved 
a.s train guard, ordered to make coffee and proceed to the 
front. 

Joined the brigade in the front line of battle near the 
Junction of the Orange Plank road, and the Brock Road, 
about 6 A. M. The regiment was at once ordered into the 
woods in front of the breastworks, and to deploy as skir- 
mishers. After {idvancing some distance into the dense 
undergrowth, Lieutenant-Colonel John Leonard command- 
ing the regiment, ordered a halt, and called for five volun- 
teers to advance and locate the enemy. 



126 THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN. 

Sergeant-Major John Myron Lyon, Private James Marvin 
Young, of Company B, and three other men whose names 
and companies are unknown to the writer, at once re- 
sponded. These men advanced several hundred yards when 
they came into heavy open timber, and upon reaching a 
slight elevation, found themselves facing a heav}?- rebel skir- 
mish-line, which was advancing, supported by two lines of 
battle. 

Sergeant-Major Lyon was shot through the left side at 
the first fire, completely disa,bling him. Private Young, who 
was near, ran to him, and, learning Lyon's condition, man- 
aged to get the Sergeant-Major on his back, and although 
the rebels were all about them, succeeded in reaching the- 
thick bushes, and returned to the regiment without further 
injury. Lieutenant-Colonel Leonard advanced to meet them, 
and on learning that Lyon was helpless, ordered some men 
from the line to relieve Young, who was completely ex- 
hausted. This act on the part of Private Young, undoubt- 
edly saved the life of Sergeant-Major L3^on, as the woods 
were set on fire by shell, later, and many wounded men were 
burned. The other three volunteers probably lost their 
lives as nothing was heard of them afterwards. The regi- 
ment soon became hotly engaged with the rebel advance, and 
to avoid being flanked on the left, changed its position sev- 
eral times. It was important that this advanced position 
should be held, if possible. It was hard work, but the reg- 
iment held its ground till joined on the left by the 73rd New 
York and other troops, when an advance was made driving 
Wofford's brigade of Georgia troops about one mile. 

The rebel line was strongly reinforced, when in turn the 
Union line, after a sharp fight, was forced to fall back into 
the main line of works. 



THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN. 127 

Adjutant Henry Jones Yates was severely wounded in 
this engagement. 

At 4 P. M. the rebels made a charge on the log breast- 
works occupied by the brigade, which were set on fire by the 
flame from the muskets of the men, and became so hot that 
the brigade had to fall back into the second line. As soon as 
the fire died down, the}' charged the rebels, re-capturing the 
front line and some prisoners. This engagement lasted one 
hour and three quarters. 

OFFICIAL LOSS FOR THE DAY. 

Killed and mortally wounded 4 

Wounded 14 

Missing 3 

Total 21 

Lay in reserve till 5 P. M. May 7th, when the corps 
moved to the right and relieved the Fifth Corps in the breast- 
works, that corps going to the extreme left. On May 8th 
the Excelsior Brigade was the rear guard for the army. Re- 
mained in position till 10 A. M. Marched till 2 P. M., and 
bivouacked near Spottsylvania Court House for the night. 
Marched about three miles to the left on May 9th, and were 
engaged in putting up breastworks, when orders were re- 
ceived to stop, as the rebels had gone. Moved about one 
mile to the right, and threw up a line of works near Todd's 
Tavern. 

Headquarters, 
May 9th, 1864, 12 M. 
CoL. John Ramsey, 

Commanding Provisional Brigade. 

Colonel: You will command a provisional brigade to 
consist of your own and the Twenty-sixth and Eighty-fourth 



128 SPOTTSYLVANIA. 

Pennsylvania Volunteers, Third Excelsior and Sixteenth 
Massachusetts Volunteers. The First Excelsior will report to 
Colonel Blaisdell, when we march. 

By Command of Brigadier-General Mott: 
T. W. Eayre, 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 
O. W. R. Vol. 68, P. 573. 

Called up at 3 A. M. May 10th, and moved to the extreme 
left. About 10 A. M. the Third Excelsior, with two other 
regiments, the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania, of the First Bri- 
gade, and a New Jersey regiment of the Sixth Corps, were 
sent out as a "Feeling Party," to learn what was in front. 
A charge was made near Spottsylvania, driving in a heavy 
rebel skirmish line, which retired to a strong line of works 
on the second ridge. "The Feeling Party," not being strong 
enough to carry this line of works, fell back across the fields 
into the woods, where they were engaged in skirmishing till 
5 P. M., when they were relieved, and, going a short dis- 
tance to the left and rear, found the division, with other 
troops, formed in column by brigade, for an assault on the 
rebel works found in the morning. During the day these 
works had been heavily reinforced by the enemy and the 
assault was repulsed. 

The second charge was made at 6 P. M. That particular 
part of the rebel works on which this assault was directed, 
proved to be the key-point of the main line, and was the 
position of the heaviest fighting of May 12th. This point 
has gone into history as, "The Bloody Angle, at Spottsyl- 
vania." 

The division fell back about one mile, and joined the 
corps. Called up at 3 A. M. May 11th, marched two miles 
to the right and bivouacked for orders. Moved one mile to 
the left at 11 A. M., and occupied the rifle pits. At 9 P. M. 



SPOTTSYLVANIA. 129 

the brigade moved one mile and a half to the left and front, 
and completed a line of works begun May 10th, near where 
the charges were made. 

At 4 A. M. May 12th the Second Corps, except the Pro- 
visional Brigade, to w^hich the Third Regiment was attach- 
ed, and which occupied the works, as a reserve, made a charge 
on the same point of w^orks on which the charges were made 
May 10th, capturing the line, about 4,000 prisoners, includ- 
ing Major-General Edward Johnson, with his wholedivision, 
27 pieces of artillery and 32 battle-flags. The charge was a 
complete surprise, being accomplished without alarming the 
rebels, till the advance lines were inside of the works, and 
large numbers of prisoners were pulled from their beds by 
the Union troops. 

Lieutenant-Colonel John Leonard, of the "Third Regi- 
ment," who had charge of the advance picket, at this time, 
should have credit for having made the break in the rebel 
picket line, through which the head of the column passed. 
During the charge on the morning of May 10th, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Leonard, who was in the extreme advance, had 
gained a thorough knowledge of the lay of the land between 
the lines. This knowledge enabled him to surprise and cap- 
ture a number of rebel picket posts, thus making an opening 
in the rebel picket line through which the corps advanced 
and reached the main line of works before being discovered. 

About 8 A. M. the regiment was ordered into the open 
field to the left and front, to supj)ort a battery. In a short 
time the battery was sent to another position. About 9 A. 
M. Major-General Birney sent the regiment to support a sec- 
tion of artillery that had been captured, manned by volun- 
teers, and turned on the enemy. These guns were in the 
roadway at the "Bloody Angle," and but a few feet distant 
from two large trees that were cut down by musket-balls. 



130 SPOTTSYLVANIA. 

The stump of one of these trees was removed to the War 
Department at Washington. The guns were soon disabled 
and the regiment being in an exposed position, where they 
could do nothing, as they were in the rear of two lines of 
battle, fell back under cover. Many of the men went a short 
distance to the left in front of the captured works, and 
fought all day. Some of the most desperate fighting of the 
war was done at this point, the Union men fighting without 
any organization, every man for himself, but the colors of 
many regiments, and from different army corps, were there. 
The rebels made repeated charges during the day to recap- 
ture these works, but were repulsed with heavy loss every 
time. The regiment was in the front line and a stead}'^ fire 
of musketry was kept up all night. 

Special Orders\ Headquarters Second Army Corps, 

No / May ISth, 1864. 

For the present the Third and Fourth Divisions of this 
corps will be consolidated into one command under Major- 
General Birney. 

By order Major-General Hancock. 

Wm. E. Driver, 
Acting Assistant Adjutant General. 
0. W. R. Vol. 68, P. 709. 

Special Order\ Headquarters Third Division, 

No J Second Corps, 

Mav 13th, 1864. 
In the consolidation of the Third and Fourth Divisions, 
in pursuance of special orders from headquarters, Second 
Army Corps, of this date, the First Brigade, Fourth Divi- 
sion, will be known as the Third Brigade, Third Division; the 
Second Brigade, Fourth Division, as the Fourth Brigade, 
Third Division. Badges will remain as before. Brigadier- 



SPOTTSYLVANIA. 131 

General Mott will resume command of his old brif^ade. All 
actinpj staff officers rendered supernumerary by the above 
orders will rejoin their regiments at once. Officers of the 
general staff rendered supernumerary, will report at these 
head(|narters for assignment. Field return of the effective 
strength present will be sent in to these head(]uarters at 
once. 

By Command of Major-General Birnej^, 

F. BiRNEY, 

Major and Assistant Adjutant General. 
O. W. R. Vol. ()8, P. 711. 

On the morning of May 13th the division moved one mile 
to the left, and went into bivouac. Called up at 3 A. M. May 
14th, and moved up into the front line of rifle-pits, skirmish- 
ing all day. Relieved at 4 P. M., moved a short distance to 
the right, and threw up some breastworks. Called up at 4 
A. M. May 15th, and moved one mile to the left. After 
breakfast moved to the right and occupied the rifle-pits. 
Moved a short distance to the right on the morning of the 
16th, and built a line of w^orks. Lay still all day on the 
17th, and it was the first day since May 5th that the regi- 
ment was not under fire. Called up at 3 A. M. on the 18th, 
and found several lines of battle in front. Went one mile to 
the right and occupied the rifle-pits. Relieved at 11 P. M. 
and marched back to the position held the day before. 

OFFICIAL LOSS AT SPOTTSYLVANIA. 

Killed and mortally wounded, 7 

Wounded, 27 

Missing, 6 

TotaJ 40 



132 NORTH ANNA. 

Called up at 2 A. M. May 19th, marched six miles to the 
left and went into bivouac. Lines were formed at 7 P. M. 
and the division went to the right on the double quick to 
repel an attack by General Early's rebel corps on the right 
and rear at Anderson's Farm. The division returned to the 
position of the previous day at 6 A. M. May 20th. Rested 
till IIP. M., when the corps began moving to the left. 
Marched all day on the 21st, crossing the Mattapony river 
at dark, and bivouacked for the night. Moved into the rifle- 
pit at 10 A. M. on the 22nd, and remained there all day. 
Marched at 8 A. M. May 23rd, to the North Anna river. The 
Second and Third Regiments were out supporting the skir- 
mishers till 5 P. M., when with the First Brigade, they 
charged the works on the north bank of the river. The 
Second and Third Regiments were the first into the rebel 
redoubt. 

In this charge Sergeant James Anderson, of Company 
F. performed an act of conspicuous gallantry. At this time 
Sergeant Anderson was acting as Color Bearer. He, with 
the color guard, and a few others, were the first to reach the 
redoubt, and jumping into the ditch, the men by sticking 
their bayonets into the bank and holding up their muskets, 
made steps, up which Sergeant Anderson climbed to almost 
certain death, as the rebels still held the redoubt. Sergeant 
Anderson was the first Union man, and the colors of the 
Third Regiment were the first Union colors that mounted 
these works. Corporal Milton S. Bacon, of Company G, was 
shot through the head and killed while helping Sergeant 
Anderson up the bank, by a rebel on the parapet. Captain 
Samuel Bailey, of Compau}^ I, acting Adjutant, assisted in 
this work. This redoubt was erected to protect a bridge 
across the North Anna river, and was supported by a line of 
rifle-pits and breastworks on the south side of that stream, 



TOTOPOTOMOY. 133 

from which a heavy fire was maintained durin<:,- the charge. 
The regiment lay in line of battle near the river all night. 
The enemy began shelling the brigade at 4 A. M. on the 24th, 
when a line of breastworks was thrown up. Moved to the 
right at 11 A. M., and relieved the First Brigade. The Ex- 
celsior Brigade crossed the North Anna at 1P.M., and formed 
in line of battle in rear of the rifle-pits which were shelled 
twice by the rebels during the afternoon. About 9 P. M. the 
brigade advanced a quarter of a mile outside the woi'ks, and 
threw up a new line. Relieved from the front line by the 
First Brigade at dark on the 25th. 

Lay in the second line all day May 26th, After dark the 
division fell back across the river, and after marching about 
tW'O miles, went into bivouac for the night. Marched at 
noon on the 27th, halted for supper at 7 P. M., and bivou- 
acked for the night near the Pamunke}^ River. Marched at 8 
A. M. on the 28th, moving slowly all day. Crossed the Pam- 
unke}' river near Hanovertown at 5 P. M., and bivouacked 
for the night at 7 P. M. 

Moved one mile to the front at 10 A. M. May 29th, and 
thi'ew up a line of works. Advanced two miles at 7 P. M., 
and built another line of works. Lay in the front line of 
rifle-i)its all day on the 30th. There was a good deal of ar- 
tillery fire in the evening. The men were much interested in 
the work of a battery of coehorns, or sumll mortars, sta- 
tioned in rear of the brigade. 

A charge was made on the morning of May 81st, cap- 
turing the front line of rebel works at Oak Grove, or Totop- 
otomoy. 

In this charge the colors of the Third Regiment were the 
first to mount the enemy's works; they were gallantly borne 
by Corporal Ovett Burr, of Company E, Avho was one of the 
first Union soldiers to reach the breastworks, and who was 



134 COLD HARBOR. 

helped up the parapet by those with him. A new line of 
works was thrown up in the evening. 

OFFICIAL LOSS AT NORTH ANNA AND TOTOPOTOMOY. 

Killed 2 

Mortally wounded 1 

Wounded 9 

Total 12 

At daylight June 1st the division fell back to the posi- 
tion of May 30th, and occupied the front line of works all 
day. Moved back three miles after dark, and bivouacked 
for the night. 

Marched to the extreme left of the army at Cold Harbor 
during the forenoon of the 2nd. Moved into the front line of 
works on the morning of the 3rd. Remained there till 5 P. 
M. of the 4th, when the division went to the extreme left. 
There was a good deal of skirmishing on the morning of the 
5th. Lay still till 5 P. M., when the brigade went one mile 
to the right, and relieved the First Brigade in the front line 
of works. The rebels made a night attack, but were easily 
repulsed. 

The brigade was relieved on the morning of the 6th; 
went to the extreme left, and threw up a line of works. The 
regiment was on the advance picket at night. Relieved from 
the picket line at 8 P. M. on the 7th, and rejoined the bri- 
gade. Lay in the breastworks near Cold Harbor June 8th 
to 12th, the regiment going on the advance picket at 7 P. 
M. of the 12th. The pickets were drawn in at 3 A. M. of the 
13th, marched very fast, overtaking the brigade at 6 A. M. 
Crossed the Chickahominy at 3 P. M. and at 10 P. M. went 
into bivouac for the night at Charles City Court House. 



CASPAR K. ABELL, born Fredonia, New York, No- 
vember 27th, 1827. Enlisted, May 15th, 1861. First Lieu- 
tenant, June 20th, 1861. Captain, June 25th, 1861. Major, 
May 3rd, 1863. Mustered out with the regiment. He en- 
gaged in mercantile business at Dunkirk, New York, soon 
after his return from the army, which he still continues. 



CHAPTER XV. 

peteksbueg — muster out. 
June, 1864. 

The division crossed the James River at Wilcox Landing, 
on a pontoon bridge at 11 A. M. .June 14th, and went into 
bivouac for the day. Marched at noon on the 15th, arriving 
in front of Petersburg towards midnight after a very hard 
march. Had the Second Corps continued its advance at this 
time Petersburg could probably have been occupied with 
but little opposition. A division of colored troops of the 
Eighteenth Corps had captured the main line of rebel works, 
next the Appomattox River on the evening of the 15th, and 
developed the fact that there was but a small force of rebels 
in Petersburg at that time. 

But for the misunderstandings which held a large part 
of the Second Corps in idleness on the bank of the James 
River, waiting till a late hour of the morning for rations 
which did not come, and even then, but for the mistake 
which led their march by a circuitous route, our troops 
might have been in position early in the afternoon to sup- 
port this gallant assault, and perhaps to push it home to 
the capture of the city, which was but slenderly- defended till 
after midnight. 

Many have thought that even at night, under the light 
of a full moon, a determined advance of the Second Corps 
would have carried them into the city. But this service was 
not asked of them by the general in command on that part 
of the field. As lines were being formed for bivouac under 



PETERSBURG. 137 

the sliadow of the captured works, and throughout the 
night, the locomotive whistles and constant rumble of trains 
told the story of troops being- hurried down from the direc- 
tion of Richmond to hold the threatened position; and there 
followed ten months of shai-p assault and stubborn defense 
before those lines were finally broken. 

At daylight on the IGth it was discovered that there 
were no pickets or skirmishers in front of the division. The 
corps was soon in line of battle, and breastworks thrown 
up under a heavy artillery fire from the enemy. There was 
severe skirmishing all day. 

Advanced and threw up another line of works in the 
evening. The regiment was skirmishing all day on the 17th. 
Advanced on the morning of the 18th, and drove the rebels 
from their rifle pits. Advanced again in the evening, and 
threw up another line of works. Lay in the rifle pits, skir- 
mishing all da}^, the 19th, and all day of the 20th. Relieved 
at night by the Ninth Corps. 

The division marched nearly all day on the 21st, the 
regiment going into line of battle for the last time, near the 
Weldon Railroad, at night. 

The term of service of the regiment having expired, it 
was relieved from the front on the morning of June 22nd, 
and went to the rear to be mustered out. At this time com- 
panies "C," "G" and "H," whose time had not expired, were 
attached to the 120th New York. 

On the evening of June 23rd, those men who had re-en- 
listed at Brandy Station, December 24th, 1863, for another 
term of three years, and those recruits whose time had not 
expired, were transferred to the 120th Regiment, New York 
Infantry. When this regiment was mustered out, what 
were left of these men were transferred to the 73rd Regiment 



138 MUSTER OUT. 

New York Infantry, and received their final discharge with 
that regiment. 

The Regiment, having been withdrawn from the front, 
started for City Point late in the afternoon of June 25th, 
resting in bivouac near the wagon camp at the cross roads 
at 10 P. M. It marched at 6 A. M., June 26th, and reached 
the James River early in the day. It was mustered out of 
service June 27th. On June 28th, at 10:30 A. M., the com- 
mand went on board the steamboat Keyport, which then 
sailed down the James River, passed Fort Monroe at 5 P. 
M., and landed at Washington about 8 A. M. the following 
day. The men found quarters at the Soldiers' Rest. On 
June 30th they were ordered to New York for payment, ar- 
rived in that city July 1st, and were quartered at the Sol- 
diers' depot in Howard street. 

The regiment was paid off July 5th and 6th, and the 
members at once scattered to their homes. 



WILLIAM REED EASTMAN, State Inspector of Public 
Libraries, was born New York, October 19th, 1835. He is 
a graduate of Yale, 1854, and of the Union Theological 
Seminary, 1862. Married November 20th, 1807, Laura E. 
Barnes. Chaplain 72nd Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, 1863-4. 
Pastor Congregational Churches in Plantsville, Conn., Suf- 
field, Conn, and South Framingham, Mass., 1865-1888; 
Connected with State Library since 1892. Address, N. Y. 
State Library, Albany, N. Y. 



CHAPTER XVI. 
MEDAL OF HONOE. 

LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNDER WHICH THE 
MEDAL OF HONOR IS AWARDED. 



A RESOLUTION to provide for the presentation of "medals of honor" to the 
enlisted men of the Army and Volunteer Forces who have distinguished or may 
distinguish themselves in battle during the present rebellion. 

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress Assembled, That 
the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, auth- 
orized to cause two thousand "medals of honor" to be pre- 
pared with suitable emblematic devices, and to direct that 
the same be presented, in the name of Congress, to such non- 
commissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish 
themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier- 
like qualities, during the present insurrection. And that the 
sum of ten thousand dollars be, and the same is hereby, ap- 
propriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise 
appropriated, for the purpose of carrying this resolution 
into effect. 

Approved, July 12, 1862. 



AN ACT making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Govern- 
ment for the year ending June thirty, eighteen hundred and sixty-four, and for the 
year ending the 30th of June, 1863, and for other purposes. 

* * * * * 

Sec. 6. And be it farther enacted, That the President 
cause to be struck from the dies recently prepared at the 



MEDAL OF HONOR. 141 

United States mint for tliat })iirpose, "medals of honor" ad- 
ditional to those authoi-ized by the act (resohition) of July 
twelfth, ei<»hteen hundred and sixty-two and present the 
same to such officers, non-commissioned officers, and pri- 
vates as have most distin<»-uished, or who may hereafter 
most distinguish, themselves in action; and the sum of twenty 
thousand dollars is hereby appropriated out of any money 
in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to defray the 

expenses of the same. 

* * * * * 

Approved, March 3, 1863. 



JOINT RESOLUTION relative to the medal of honor authorized by the Acts 
of July twelfth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, and March third, eighteen hun- 
dred and sixty-three. 

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress Assembled, That 
the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, authorized to issue 
to any person to whom a medal of honor has been awarded, 
or may hereafter be awarded, under the provisions of the 
Joint Resolution approved July twelfth, eighteen hundred 
and sixty-two, and the Act approved March third, eighteen 
hundred and sixty-three, a rosette or knot to be worn in lieu 
of the medal, and a ribbon to be worn with the medal; said 
rosette or knot and ribbon to be each of a pattern to be pre- 
scribed and established by the President of the United States, 
and any appropriation that may hereafter be available for 
the contingent expenses of the War Department is hereby 
made available for the purposes of this Act: Provided, That 
whenever a ribbon issued under the provisions of this Act 
shall have been lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use, 
without fault or neglect on the ])art of the person to whom 
it was issued, the Secretary of War shall cause a new ribbon 
to be issued to such person without charge therefor. 

Approved, May 2, 1896. 



142 MEDAL OF HONOR. 

War Department, 
Washington, November 10, 1896. 
Orders: 

In accordance with the provisions of the joint resolution 
of Congress entitled "Joint Resolution relative to the Medal 
of Honor authorized by the Acts of July twelfth, eighteen 
hundred and sixty-two, and March third, eighteen hundred 
and sixty-three," approved May 2, 1896, a ribbon to be 
worn with the Medal of Honor, and a knot to be worn in 
lieu of the medal, is prescribed and established by the Presi- 
dent of the United States, to be each of a pattern as follows: 

The ribbon to be of silk one inch wide and one inch in 
length; the center stripe of white one-sixteenth of an inch 
wide, flanked on either side by a stripe of blue seven thirty- 
seconds of an inch wide, bordered by two stripes of red each 
one-quarter of an inch wide. 

The knot to be a bowknot of the same combination of 
colors as the ribbon above described. 

The ribbon and bowknot are shown in the designs here- 
to attached. * * * 

DANIEL S. LAMONT, 

Secretary of War. 



In compliance with the foregoing Acts of Congress the 
following named members of the regiment have received the 
Congressional Medal of Honor, The remarks following the 
names are from the records of the War Department : 

JOHN H. HAIGHT-Sergeant, Company G. 

"Voluntarily carried a severely wounded comrade off the 
field in the face of a large force of the enemy, and in so doing 
was himself severely wounded." 

Williamsburg, Va., May 5th, 1862. 



MEDAL OF HONOR. 143 

"Went into the fight, although severely disabled." 

Bristoe Station, Va., August 27th, 1862. 
"Volunteered to search the woods for the wounded." 

Manassas, Va., August 29th and 30th, 1862. 



THOMAS HORAN— Seegeant, Company E. 

''Captured the flag of the Sth Florida Regiment." 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 2nd, 1863. 



HENRI Le FEVRE BROWN— Sergeant, Company B. 

"Voluntarily, and under heavy fire from the enemy, 
three times crossed the fleld of battle with a load of ammu- 
nition in a blanket on his back, thus supplying the Federal 
forces, whose ammunition had nearly all been expended, and 
enabling them to hold their position until reinforcements ar- 
rived, when the enemy were driven from their position." 

Wilderness, Va., May 6th, 1864. 



JAMES MARVIN YOUNG-Private, Company B. 

"Upon call of the regimental commander with two or 
three comrades, volunteered to go forward in the forest and 
reconnoitre the enemy's position. He came in contact with 
the enemy, was fired upon, and one of the volunteers was 
badly w^ounded and helpless. Young took his wounded 
comrade on his back, and under fire, brought him w^ithin 
the Union lines." 

Wilderness, Va., May 6th, 1864. 



CHAPTEK XVII. 

List of Battles and Skirmishes in which the Regiment 
Participated During its Term of Service. 

The losses given in the following list are for those en- 
gagements only where the total loss shows ten or more men. 
In addition to the following named engagements the 
regiment participated in a large number of skirmishes and 
small affairs, not given a name: 

1861. 
October 23— Budd's Ferry, Md. 
1862. 
Night of March 19— Capt. Robert T. Johnson, with 50 
men of Co. I, crossed the Potomac into Virginia. 

Night of March 20— Capt. Darwin Willard with 100 
men of Companies A and B, crossed the Potomac and engaged 
the enemy at Boyd's Hole, Virginia. 

Night of April 2— Lieutenant-Colonel Israel Moses, with 
a detachment of 250 men of the regiment, with similar de- 
tachments from the other regiments of the brigade, crossed 
the Potomac and advanced to Stafford Court House, Vir- 
ginia. 

April — Siege of Yorktown, Va. 

May 5th — Williamsburg, Virginia. 

LOSS AT WILLIAMSBURG. 

Killed 61 

Mortally wounded 23 

Wounded 67 

Missing 44 

Total loss 195 



LIST OF BATTLES. 145 

June 1 — Seven Pines, Va. 
June 12 — Seven Pines, Va. 

SEVEN day's battle, VA. 

June 25— The Orchards, or Oak Grove, Va. 
June 27— Fair Oaks, Va. 
June 29 — Peach Orchard, Va. 
June 30— Glendale, Va. 
July 1st— Malvern Hill, Va. 

LOSS DURING THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLE. 

Killed 16 

Mortally wounded 6 

Wounded 61 

Missing 4 



Total loss 87 

August 5— Second Malvern Hill, Va. 

GENERAL POPE's CAMPAIGN, VA. 

Night of August 26— Kettle Run, Va. 
August 27— Bristoe Station, Va. 
August 29— Groveton, Va. 
August 80— Second Bull Run, Va. 
September 2 — Chantilly, Va. 

LOSS DURING GENERAL POPE's CAMPAIGN. 

Killed 5 

Mortally wounded 2 

Wounded 23 

Missing 7 



Total Loss 37 

December 12 — Fredericksburg, Va. 



146 LIST OF BATTLES. 

1863. 
May 2 — Chancellorsville, Va. 
May 3 — Chancellorsville, Va. 

LOSS AT CHANCELLORSVILLE. 

Killed 15 

Mortally wounded 3 

Wounded 28 

Missing 55 

Total loss 101 

July 2 — Gettysburg, Pa. 
July 3— Gettysburg, Pa. 

LOSS AT GETTYSBURG: 

Killed 7 

Mortally wounded 7 

Wounded 72 

Missing 28 

Total loss , 114 

July 23 — Wapping Heights, Va. 
November 7 — Kellys Ford, Va. 
November 27 — Locust Grove, Va. 

LOSS AT LOCUST GROVE. 

Killed 4 

Mortally wounded 1 

Wounded 15 

Total loss 20 

November 29— Mine Run, Va. 

1864. 
Morning of May 6 — Wilderness, Va. 
Afternoon of May 6 — Brock Road, Wilderness, Va. 



LIST OF BATTLES. 147 

LOSS IN THE WILDERNESS. 

Killed 2 

Mortally wounded 2 

Wounded 14 

Missing 3 

Total loss 21 

May 9— Todd's Tavern, Va. 
Morning of May 10— Spottsylvania, Va. 
Afternoon of May 10— Spottsylvania, Va. 
May 12— Spottsylvania C. H., Va. 

LOSS AT SPOTTSYLVANIA. 

Killed 4 

Mortally wounded 3 

Wounded 27 

Missing 6 

Total loss 40 

May 18— Landron House, Va. 
May 19 — Anderson's Farm, Va. 
May 23— North Anna, Va. 

LOSS AT NORTH ANNA. 

Killed 1 

Wounded 9 

Total loss 10 

May 24— Taylor's Bridge, Va. 
May 31— Totopotonioy, Va. 
June 3 — Cold Harbor, Va. 
June 4 — Cold Harbor, Va. 
June 16 — Petersburg, Va. 



148 LIST OF BATTLES. 

June 17 — Harrison's Creek, Va. 
June 18— Norfolk Kailroad, Va. 
June 21— Weldon Railroad, Va. 

LOSS AT PETERSBURG. 

Killed 3 

Mortally wounded 1 

Wounded 10 

Totalloss 14 

Three Companies, "C." "G." and "H." with 120th Reg- 
iment New York Vols. 

July 27— Deep Bottom, Va. 

August 14— Strawberry Plains, Va. 

Night of September 9— Foi-t Hell, near Petersburg, Va. 

October 2 — Poplar Springs Church, Va. 

October 27— Boydton Plank Road, Va. 

LOSS DURING THE THREE YEARS SERVICE. 

Killed 120 

Mortally wounded 54 

Wounded and recovered 354 

Died of disease 86 

Died in prison 10 

Missing 138 

Total 762 

It is impossible to determine through any authority to 
which the writer has access, the exact enrollment of the regi- 
ment. Colonel William F. Fox in his admirable work, 
"Regimental Losses During the Civil War," which is recog- 
nized as standard authority, makes the enrollment of the 
"^^hird Excelsior" 1250 men. 

On this basis the percentage of loss is: — 

Killed and mortally wounded 13.9 

Total loss ] 60.8 



CHAPTEK XVIII. 

Roster of Commissioned Officers of the Thii-d Regiment 
Excelsior Brigade, during its organization. 

FIELD AND STAFF. 

COLONELS. 

Nelson Taylor, June 21 st, 1861. Promoted to Brig. Gen'I. Oct. 25, 1S62. 

William O. Stevens, Promoted from Major October 25th, 1862. Killed in 

action May 3d, 1863, at Chancellorsville, Va. Mustered 

as Col. to date from September 8th, 1862, by Captain 

Willian. 
John S. Austin, Promoted from Lt. Col. May 4th, 1863. Mustered as 

Colonel to date from May 4th, 1863. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONELS. 

Israel Moses, June 21 st. 1861. Resigned Oct. 4th, 1862. 

John 5. Austin, Oct. 25th, 1S62. Promoted to Colonel May 4th, 1863. 

Mustered as Lieutenant-Colonel to date from Oct. 25th, 
1862. 

John Leonard, Promoted from Major May 4th, 1863. Mustered as Lieu- 

tenant-Colonel to date from May 4th, 1S63, by Captain 
John Willian. 

MAJORS. 

William O. Stevens, Promoted from Captain Co. D, June 25th, lS;)l. Pro- 
moted to Colonel Oct. 25th, 1S62. 

John Leonard, Promoted from Captain Co. F, Oct. 25th, 1862. Pro- 

moted to Lieutenant-Colonel May 4th, 1863. 

Caspar K. Abell, Promoted from Captain Co. D, May 5th, 1863. Muster- 

ed as Major to date from May 4th, 1863, by Captain 
Willian. 



150 



ROSTER. 



SURGEON. 
July 24th, 1861. 

ADJUTANTS. 

Promoted from Private Co. D, June 25th, I86l. Pro- 
moted to Captain Co. H, Nov. 1st, i86i. Killed inaction 
July 1st, 1862. 

Promoted from 1st Lieutenant Nov. 1st, i86i. Retired 
from Adjutant January 29th, 1862. Resigned May lOth, 
1862. 

Promoted from 1st Lieutenant April 29, 1862. Resigned 
December 2Sth, 1862. 

Promoted from 1st Lieutenant Dec. 26, 1862. Retired 
from duty as Adjutant June 24th, 1863. 
Promoted from 1st Lieutenant June 24th, 1863. Mus- 
tered as 1st Lieutenant August 22nd, 1863, to date from 
January 7th, 1863, by Captain Willian. Promoted to 
Captain Co. D, vice Captain McDonough, killed in action, 
to date from Nov. 28th, 1863. 
Promoted from 1st Lieutenant Nov. 28, 1863. 
Promoted from 1st Lieutenant March, 3, 1864. 

QUARTERMASTERS. 

June 21, 1861. Promoted to Captain and A. Q. M. Oct. 
23, 1862. 

Promoted from Q. M. Sergeant Oct. 24, 1862. Mustered 
as Quartermaster to date from Nov. 22nd, i862, by 
Lieutenant Dimmick. 

ASSISTANT SURGEONS. 

N. W. Leighton, July 24th, I86l. Resigned Oct. lOth, 1862. 

Edward D. Perkins, Oct. ii, i862. Promoted to Surgeon, 71 st Regiment, N. 

Y. Vols., May 13, 1863. 
George D. Townsend, Oct. 1 1 th, 1 862. Commissioned in another regiment. 
William M. Jones, 1862. Resigned July 28, 1863. 
Fred'k W. Simpson, Nov, 13, 1863. Mustered to date from Nov. 13, 1863. 

CHAPLAINS. 
July 24, 1861. Discharged April 20, 1862. 



Charles K. Irwin, 
Stephen M. Doyle, 

William J. O'Neal, 

Hugh C. Hinman, 
James A. Smith, 
Alexander M. Clark, 



Robert H. Savage, 
Henry J. Yates, 

T. W. Q. Fry, 
John ilcN. Grant, 



Levi W. Norton, 

William R. Eastman, January 1st, 1863 



Mustered as Chaplain Jan. 1st, 1863. 



ROSTER. 151 

SERGEANT-MAJORS. 

1 Samuel Bailey, June 21, I86i. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company 

B, Nov. 1, 1861. 

2 Berend Huttmann, Nov. i, i86i. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company 

F, Jan. 8, 1862. 

3 James Fogarty, January 8, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company 

I, April 17, 1862, 

4 Thomas Clark, April 17, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company 

C, May 6, 1862, 

5 John S. riann, May 6, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company A, 

May 17, 1862. 

6 Wm. ricQInnes, May 17,1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company 

G, June 2, 1862. 

7 Chas. H. Hydorn, June 2, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company H, 

June 13, 1862. 

8 Wm. E. Wheeler, June 13, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company 

F, June 23, 1862. 

9 Henry J. McDonough, June 23, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Com- 

pany D, July 2, 1862. 

10 Warren J. Stanton, July 2, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company 

A, Aug. 5, 1862. 

1 1 Alexander M. Clark, Aug. 5, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Com- 

pany K, Sept. 8, 1862. 

12 Samuel Howell, Sept. 8, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company C, 

Dec. 26, 1862. 

13 John ricKinley, Dec. 26, I862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company K, 

May 5, I863. 

14 J. Myron Lyon, May 6, 1863. 

QUARTERMASTER-SERGEANTS. 

John ricN. Grant, June 21, 1861. Promoted to Quartermaster Oct. 24. 

1862. 
Richard J. Conroy, October 24, 1862. 

COMMISSARY-SERGEANTS. 

Isaac A. Brooks, June 21, 1861. Discharged the service Feb. 22, 1864. 
Otis N. Shelton, Co. D, Feb. 22, 1864. Appointed C. S. vice Brooks. 

HOSPITAL STEWARDS. 

Fred'k n. Fincke, Discharged Oct. 17, 1862. 

Ferdinand Weiler, Re-enlisted in regular army Dec. 13, I863. 

Dudley B. Fuller, Appointed Dec. 26, I863. 



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